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Full text of "Key to North American birds. Containing a concise account of every species of living and fossil bird at present known from the continent north of the Mexican and United States boundary, inclusive of Greenland and lower California, with which are incorporated General ornithology, an outline of the structure and classification of birds, and Field ornithology, a manual of collecting, preparing, and preserving birds"

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Varied    Bunting 

(Cvanospiy.a    Versicolor) 


HE 


V 


KEY 


TO 


North  American  Birds. 

CONTAINING   A   CONCISE   ACCOUNT   OF    EVERY   SPECIES   OF   LIVING  AND   FOSSIL 

BIRD   AT   PRESENT    KNOWN    FROM    THE    CONTINENT    NORTH    OF   THE 

MEXICAN    AND    UNITED    STATES    BOUNDARY,    INCLUSIVE 

OF    GREENLAND    AND    LOWER    CALIFORNIA, 

/"f!  U  (  7) 


WITH    WHICH    ARE    INCORPORATED 


GENERAL  ORNITHOLOGY: 

AN    OUTLINE   OF   THE   STRUCTURE  AND   CLASSIFICATION    OF   BIRDS; 

AND 

FIELD    ORNITHOLOGY, 

A   MANUAL   OF   COLLECTING,    PREPARING,   AND    PRESERVING   BIRDS. 

Cf)e  Jiftf)  iEtttion, 


(entirely  revised) 


^ 


EXHIBITING   THE   NOMENCLATURE   OF   THE    AMERICAN    ORNITHOLOGISTS'    UNION,    AND   INCLUDING 
DESCRIPTIONS  OF  ADDITIONAL   SPECIES 

IN  TWO  VOLUMES. 
Volume  II. 

By  ELLIOTT   COUES,  A.M.,  M.D.,  Ph.D., 

Late  Captain  and  Assistant  Surgeon  U.  S.  Army  and  Secretary  U.  S.  Geological  Survey;  Vice-President  of  the  American 

Ornithologists'  Union,  and  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  the  Classification  and  Nomenclature  of  North  American  Birds  ; 

Foreign  Member  of  the   British  Ornithologists'   Union  ;  Corresponding  Member  of  the  Zoological  Society 

of  London ;    Member  of  the  National  Academy  of  Sciences,  of  the  Faculty  of  the  National 

Medical  College,  of  the  Philosophical  and  Biological  Societies  of  Washington. 

PROFUSELY     ILLUSTRATED. 


BOSTON: 

DANA    ESTES   AND    COMPANY. 

1903, 


v/.  fnS.^n.i" 


la 


CONTENTS   TO   TOLUME   11. 


PART   III.  — Continued. 

SYSTEMATIC   SYNOPSIS  OF  NORTH   AMERICAN  BIRDS. 


PAGE 


Older  PICARLTi^:   Picarian  Birds 537 

Suborder  TROCHILI :  Huiiiiuiugbirds 543 

Family  TiiOCiiiiJD.i; :  Hummingbirds 54;j 

Sidjordci-CYPSELI:  Swifts 555 

Fauiilv  ^IicuoPODiD.E  :   Swifts 555 

Subfamily  Micropoduue :  Typical  Swifts 5.j() 

Subfamily  C/uedtrime :  Spine-tail  Swifts 558 

Suborder  CORACLE  :  Coraciau  Birds 560 

Family  Caprijiulgid.e  :  Goatsuckers 561 

Subfamily  CaprimulgiiKe:  True  Goatsuckers;  Night-jars 562 

Suborder  HaLcYONES:  Halcyoniform  Birds     .     .         ' 570 

Family  Alcedjnid.t:  :  Kiugfisliers ...  571 

Subfamily  Alcedininre :  Piscivorous  Knigfisliers       .     .      .      .     ' 572 

Suborder  TROGONES  :  Trogons 574 

Family  TuoGoxiD.E  :  Trogous 575 

Suborder  PICI :  Piciform  Birds ....  576 

Family  Picid.k  :  Woodpeckers,  Piculets,  Wrynecks 576 

Subfamily  Fieiiue:  Woodpeckers 577 

Suborder  COCCYGES  :  Cuculiform  Birds 602 

Family  CucL'LiD.E :  Cuckoos 602 

Subfamily  Crofophagbia' :  Auis;  Guiras 60-1. 

Subfamily  Neomorphinrc :  Ground  Cuckoos 605 

Subfamily  Canilin/e:  Tree  Cuckoos ...  607 

Order  PSITTACI:    Parrots 611 

Suborder  EUPSITTACI  :  Carinate  Parrots 61  i 

Family  Aiun.E:  Macaws,  etc 616 

Sul)f;niiily  Coiiurbue :  Wedge-tailed  American  Parrots .  ')!() 

Orfler  RAPTORKS:    Hirds  of  Prey 617 

Suborder  ^^TRIGES:   Nocturnal  Birds  of  Prey;  Owls (jH» 

Family  Aluconid.'E:  Barn  Owls ()21 

Family  Strkjid.k  :   Other  Owls 623 


IV  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Suborder  ACCIPITRES:  Diurnal  Birds  of  Prey 648 

Family  Fai.conid.e  :  Vultures,  Falcons,  Hawks,  Eagles,  etc 649 

Subfamily  Circinee:  Harriers 651 

Subfamily  Milvince :  Kites 653 

Subfamily  ^(?c2/>?VrM^;  Hawks 657 

^\xhidL\m\j  Falconin<e :  Falcons 662 

Subfamily  Pohjborina; :  Caracaras 677 

Subfamily  ButeonirKe:  Buzzards  and  Eagles 678 

Family  Pandionid.e  :  Fish  Hawks  ;  Ospreys 698 

Suborder  CATHARTIDES  :   American  Vultures 700 

Family  Cathartid^:  American  Vultures 700 

Subfamily  Sarcorhamphina; :  Condors  and  King  Vultures 701 

Subfamily  CathartirKe :  Turkey  Vultures 701 

Order  COLUMB^:  Columbine  Birds 705 

Suborder  PERISTER^:  True  Columbine  Birds 706 

Family  Columbid^  :  True  Pigeons  or  Doves 709 

Subfamily  Columbinee :  Arboreal  Pigeons 709 

Subfamily  Zenaidina;  ■  Ground  Doves 712 

Subfamily  Starnceiiaduuc :  Quail  Doves 719 

Order  GALLIN-^ :   Gallinaceous  Birds ;   Fowls 719 

Suborder  PERISTEROPODES:  Pigeon-toed  Fowls 720 

Family  Cracid.e  :  Curassows,  Guans,  etc '    .  721 

Subfamily  Penelopinre :  Guans 721 

Suborder  ALECTOROPODES:  True  Fowls 721 

Family  Puasianid^:  Pbeasants,  etc 722 

Subfamily  P//«i7V/«/;^^;  Pheasants 723 

Family  MKLEAGRiDiD/t ;  Turkeys 726 

Family  Tetraonid^  :  Grouse  . 730 

Family  Perdicid^  :  Partridges  and  Quails 749 

Subfamily  P6'/-f/«a«<? ;  Old  World  Partridges  and  Quails 750 

^nhi&m\h  OdoHfoijIioruuf :  American  Partridges  and  Quails 752 

Order  LI MICOLiE:   Shore  Birds ;   Waders 762 

Family  Jacanid,e  :  Ja^anas 765 

Family  Charadriid/E  :  Plovers,  etc 767 

Subfamily  Charadnma :  True  Plovers 767 

Family  Aphrizid.e  :  Surf-Birds  and  Turnstones 783 

Subfamily  Aphnzinee:  Surf-Birds 784 

Subfamily  ^r^wffm;?)^  •  Turnstones 784 

Family  H/EMatopodid.e:  Oyster-catchers;  Sea  Pies 787 

Family  K.eciirvirostrid/e  :  Avocets,  Stilts 789 

Family  Phalaropodid.e  :   Phalaropes 793 

Family  Scolopacid.e:  Snipe,  Sandpipers,  etc 798 

Order  PALUDICOLiE:  Marsh  Birds      . 844 

Suborder  G RUES  .  Cranes,  Agamis,  and  Courlans 846 

Family  Gruid.e  ;  Cranes 847 

Family  Aramid^  :  Courlans 849 


CONTENTS.  V 

PAGE 

Suborder  RALLI :  Rails  and  Rallit'orni  Birds 850 

Family  Rallid.e  :  Rails,  Crakes,  Gallinules,  and  Coots 850 

Subfamily  i£«//w,*;  Rails  and  Crakes 851 

Subfamily  G allitmlma: :  Gallinules  ....           859 

Subfamily  Falicma;:  Coots 861 

Order  HERODIONES:  Herons  and  their  Allies 863 

Suborder  IBIDES:  Ibis  Series 864 

Family  Ibidid.e  :  Ibises 864 

Family  Plataleid.e  :  Spoonbills 868 

Suborder  CICONLE:  Stork  Series 868 

Family  Ciconiid.e:  Storks 869 

Subfamily  Tantalmm :  Wood  Ibises 869 

Subfamily  Ciconiince :  True  Storks 870 

Suborder  HERODII :  Heron  Series 870 

Family  Ardkid.e  :  Herons 871 

Subfamily  Anleuue:  True  Herons 873 

Subfamily  Botauritue :  Bitterns 883 

Order  LAMELLIROSTRES:  Anserine  Birds 887 

Suborder  ODONTOGLOSS.E  :  Grallatorial  Anseres 887 

Family  Pii(Exicoi'Tp:rid.e  :  Flamingoes 888 

Suborder  ANSERES  :  Anserine  Birds  Proper 890 

Family  Axatid.e  :  Swans,  Geese,  Ducks,  and  Mergansers 890 

Subfamily  Cygime:  Swans 893 

Subfamily  Anserin/e:  Geese 896 

Subfamily  ^««i/«<f.'  River  Ducks 908 

Subfamily  Ftilif/idiiKe :  Sea  Ducks 920 

Subfamily  Merr/ince:  Mergansers 947 

Order  STEGANOPODES  :  Totipalmate  Birds 951 

Family  Sulid.e  :  Ganuets  ;  Boobies 953 

Family  PELic.iNiD.E  :  Pelicans 956 

Family  PiiALACROcoRACiD.E:  Cormorants 959 

Family  ANiriXGiD.E  :  Anliingas  ;  Darters;  Snake-birds 968 

Family  FuKGATiD.E:  Frigates;  Men-o'-War 969 

Family  PiiaethoxtiD/E  :  Tropic  Birds 971 

Order    LONGIPENNF^S :     Long-winged    Swimmers  —  Jaegers,    Gulls,    Terns, 

Skimmers 973 

Family  Stercokakuu.e  :  Jaegers,  or  Skuas 975 

Fa?nily  Larid.e  :  Gulls,  Terus,  Skimmers 982 

Subfamily  Larince :  Gulls 982 

Subfamily  Sterniiuc :  Terns,  Sea-swallows 1000 

Subfamily  Rhynchopvup :  Skimmers 1019 

Order  TUBIXARES:   Tube-nosed  Swimmers 1021 

Family  Diomkdeiu.e:  Albatrosses 1022 

Family  Procellariid.b  :  Petrels 1026 

Subfamily  Fulmarhtrr:  Fulmars,  etc 1027 


VI  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Subfamily  Pi'{^2'«^  •  Shearwaters,  etc 1031 

Subfamily  Frocellariinm :  Short-legged  Stormy  Petrels 1040 

Subfamily  Oceanitinm :  Long-legged  Stormy  Petrels 104-4 

Order  PYGOPODES:    Diving  Birds 1046 

Suborder  GAVI^E:  Loous 1047 

Family  Gaviid.e  :  Loous,  or  Divers ,     .  1047' 

Suborder  PODICIPEDES:  Grebes 1051 

Family  PoDiciPEDiDiE  :  Grebes 1051 

Suborder  ALaE :  Auks 1059 

Family  Alcid.k  :  Auks,  Murres,  etc 1059 

^Vi^i'&mxX'^  FratercuUnte :  Sea  Parrots,  or  PufBus 10G2 

Subfamily  Phaleriditue:  Auklets,  Murrelets,  and  Black  Guillemots 1068 

Subfamily  ^//2V(!r<?:   Sea  Doves 1080 

Subfamily  ^/r//««  .•  Murres  or  Guillemots,  and  Auks 1081 

PART   IV. 

SYSTEMATIC   SYNOPSIS  OF  THE  FOSSIL   BIRDS  OF  NOBTII  AMEKTCA. 

A.  Teutiaky  Birds 1087 

B.  Cretaceous  Birds 1093 

C.  Jurassic  Birds 1097 


INDEX 1099 

APPENDIX 1145 


Part    III.  — Continued. 


SYSTEMATIC  SYNOPSIS 


OF 


NOKTH    AMERICAN    BIRDS. 


Order  PICARI^:  Picarian  Birds. 

nnHIS  is  a  miscellaneous  assortment  (in  scientific  language,  "a  polymorphic  group  ")  of  birds 
-*-  of  highly  diversified  forms,  grouped  together  more  because  they  differ  from  other  birds  in 
one  way  or  another,  than  on  account  of  their  resemblance  to  one  another.  As  commonly  re- 
ceived, this  order  includes  all  non-passerine  Land  Birds  down  to  those  with  a  cered  bill  (Par- 
rots and  Birds  of  Prey).  Excluding  Parrots,  which  constitute  a  strongly  marked  natural  group 
of  equal  value  with  those  called  orders  in  this  work,  Picaria  correspond  to  Strisores  -\-  Scan- 
sores  of  authors ;  including,  however,  some  that  are  often  referred  to  Clamatores.  (This 
''order"  Scansores,  or  Zygodactyli,  containing  all  the  birds  that  have  the  toes  arranged  in 
jndrs,  two  in  front  and  two  behind  (and  some  that  have  not),  is  one  of  the  most  unmitigated 
inflictions  that  ornithology  has  suffered;  it  is  as  thoroughly  unnatural  as  the  divisions  of  my 
artificial  key  to  our  genera.)  I  have  no  faith  whatever  in  the  integrity  of  any  such  groupius; 
as  "Picaria;"  implies;  but  if  I  sliould  break  up  tliis  conventional  assemblage,  I  should  not 
know  what  to  do  witli  the  fragments;  not  being  prepared  to  follow  Garrod  to  the  length  of 
a  classification  of  birds  based  primarily  upon  the  condition  of  certain  muscles  of  the  leg;  and 
knowing  of  no  available  alternative.  With  this  protest,  and  upon  such  understanding,  I  retain 
the  Picarian  group,  as  iu  the  original  edition  of  the  Key,  to  include  all  tlie  Nortli  American 
Land  Birds  of  non-passerine  character,  without  a  liooked  and  cered  bill,  and  without  tlie  proper 
characters  of  the  Columbine  and  Galliue  families.  The  A.  0.  U.  ignores  the  major  group,  and 
presents  instead  three  orders —  Coccyges,  Pid,  and  Macrochires.  With  this  procedure  I  have 
no  quarrel,  as  the  three  are  precisely  coincident  with  my  tlirce  suborders  CucuUformcs,  Pici- 
formes,  and  Cypseliformes. 

Manifestly,  from  what  has  been  saiil,  Pivaria-  are  insusce]>tible  of  satisfactory  dcfiuititm  : 
but  I  may  indicate  some  leading  features,  wlietiier  of  positive  or  negative  diaraeter,  tliat  tiioy 


538  SYSTEMATIC  SYNOPSIS.  — PICARIjE. 

possess  in  common.  The  sternum  rarely  conforms  to  the  particular  passerine  model,  its  pos- 
terior border  usually  being  either  entire  or  else  doubly-notched.  The  vocal  apparatus  is  not 
highly  developed,  having  not  more  than  three  pairs  of  separate  intrinsic  muscles ;  the  birds, 
consequently,  are  never  highly  musical.  There  are  some  modifications  of  cranial  bones  not 
observed  in  Passeres.  Picaritp,  like  lower  birds,  usually  lack  a  certain  specialization  of  flexor 
muscles  of  the  toes  seen  in  Passeres.  This  anatomical  matter  requires  special  attention,  as 
some  important  classificatory  considerations  are  involved.  The  jjasserine  rule  is,  that  the 
flexor  liallucis,  which  bends  the  hind  toe,  is  perfectly  distinct  from  the  flexor  perforans,  which 
bends  all  the  other  toes ;  and  that  the  former  has  but  one  tendon,  going  to  hind  toe,  while 
the  other  has  three  tendons,  going  to  all  the  rest  of  the  toes.  Passerine  birds  being  considered 
to  represent  the  "normal"  (or  usual)  arrangement,  are  called  nomopelmous ;  and  all  birds 
which  do  not  have  this  arrangement  I  call  anomalopelmous.  Passerine  birds  are  also  called 
schizopelmous,  with  reference  to  the  complete  separation  of  the  hallucal  from  the  other  dig- 
ital tendons.  But  the  anomalopelmous  Picarian  birds  present  several  further  specializations 
of  the  arrangement  for  bending  their  toes.  In  the  Hummingbirds  the  flexor  hallucis  besides 
going  to  the  first  toe  supplies  also  the  second  digit  by  a  branch,  and  sends  in  addition  the 
rudiments  of  little  slips  to  the  third  and  fourth  digits.  In  the  Hoopoes  the  arrangement 
is  nearly  schizopelmous,  but  there  is  a  desmopelmous  feature  beyond  the  bases  of  the 
toes.  In  the  Cuckoos,  again,  the  tendons  of  the  flexor  hallucis  and  flexor  perforans  are 
connected  by  a  vinculum  or  ligament  at  the  point  where  they  cross  each  other  on  the  way 
to  their  respective  digits ;  they  are  hence  called  desmopelmous,  and  this  arrangement  is  also 
shared  by  psittacine  and  gallinaceous  birds.  Again,  in  the  Swifts  and  Goatsuckers,  of  the 
group  Cypseliformes,  the  respective  tendons  of  these  two  muscles  are  extensively  blended  to- 
gether ;  they  are  hence  termed  sympelmous.  Fourthly,  in  numerous  zygodactyle  birds,  the 
Woodpeckers  and  their  allies,  the  flexor  perforans  has  only  one  tendon,  which  goes  to  the 
"  middle"  or  third  toe,  i.  e.  the  outer  anterior  one,  while  the  flexor  hallucis  splits  into  two 
or  three  tendons,  which  supply  all  the  other  toes  ;  tliey  are  hence  termed  antiopelmoiis.  Fifthly, 
in  the  Trogons,  which  are  yoke-toed  in  a  diff"erent  way  from  any  other  birds,  by  reversion  of 
the  second  instead  of  fourth  toe,  the  flexor  hallucis  has  two  tendons  which  supply  the  two  hind 
toes,  and  the  flexor  perforans  has  likewise  two  tendons,  for  the  front  toes  ;  they  are  thus  what 
is  called  heteropelmous.  The  technical  terms  here  used  of  the  birds  themselves  are  equally  ap- 
plicable to  the  anatomical  arrangements  ;  one  may  speak,  for  example,  of  anomalopelmous  feet, 
or  anomalopelmous  tendons,  as  well  as  of  anomalopelmous  birds.  Three  of  the  five  arrangements 
noted  for  Picarian  birds,  the  sympelmous,  antiopelmous,  and  heteropelmous,  are  peculiar  to 
this  group.  With  regard  to  the  ambiens  muscle,  it  is  absent  in  most  Picarice,  which  are  there- 
fore anomalogonatous  ;  but  present  in  the  homalogonatous  Cuckoos  and  their  near  relatives  the 
Turacous.  Externally,  the  feet  are  very  variously  modified;  one  or  another  of  all  the  toes,  ex- 
cept the  middle  one,  is  susceptible  of  being  turned,  in  this  or  that  case,  in  an  opposite  from  the 
customary  direction  ;  the  fourth  one  being  frequently  capable  of  turning  either  way;  while  in 
five  genera  of  Picidce  and  one  genus  oi  Picumnidce  the  first,  and  in  two  genera  oi  Alcedinidce 
the  second,  toe  is  deficient.  When  all  four  toes  are  turned  forward,  as  in  the  Colies,  the  feet 
and  their  owners  are  termed  pamprodacti/lous.  When  there  are  three  in  front  and  one  behind, 
as  in  Kingfishers,  the  term  anisodactylous  is  used ;  and  when  the  digits  of  such  a  foot  are 
extensively  soldered  together,  the  formation  is  called  syndactylous.  In  some  cases,  as  the 
family  Microj)odid(B  or  Swifts,  some  members  of  it  are  pamprodactylous,  others  anisodactylous. 
A  very  frequent  arrangement  is  that  of  toes  in  pairs,  two  behind  and  two  before  ;  most  such 
yoke-toed  birds  have  the  properly  zygodactylous  arrangement,  by  reversion  of  the  fourth  or 
outer  toe,  as  in  the  Woodpeckers,  Cuckoos,  and  others;  but  in  the  Trogons  alone  the  second 
or  inner  toe  is  the  reversed  one,  and  the  arrangement  is  styled  heterodactylous.  The  tarsal 
envelop  is  never  entire  behind,  as  in  the  higher  Passeres.     Another  curious  peculiarity  of  the 


PIC  A  RLE:   PICA  RI AN  BIRDS.  539 

feet  is,  that  the  claw  of  the  hind  toe  is  smaller,  or  at  most  not  larger,  than  that  of  the  third 
toe  ;  and  on  the  whole  the  hind  toe  itself  is  inconsiderable,  weak  if  not  wanting,  not  always 
perfectly  incumbent  and  apposable.  The  wings,  endlessly  varied  in  shape,  agree  in  possessing 
ten  developed  primaries,  of  which  the  first  is  rarely  spurious  or  very  short.  (Notable  excep- 
tions to  this  occur  in  the  Pici  with  spurious  first  primary,  and  in  the  Indicatoridce,  with  only 
nine  primaries.)  A  very  general  and  useful  wing-character  is,  that  the  coverts  are  larger  and 
in  more  numerous  series  than  in  Passeres  ;  the  greater  coverts  being  at  least  half  as  long  as 
the  secondary  quills  they  cover,  and  sometimes  reaching  nearly  to  the  ends  of  these  quills. 
This  is  the  common  case  among  lower  birds,  but  it  distinguishes  most  of  the  Picaria;  from 
Passeres;  it  is  not  shown,  however,  in  the  Picidce  and  some  others,  as  the  Indicator idoe,  Meya- 
Ifemidce,  and  Rhamphastidce.  The  wing  is  quintocubital  as  a  rule  (with  variability  in  Alcedi- 
nidte  and  some  Cypselidce').  The  tail  is  indefinitely  varied  in  shape,  but  the  number  of  its 
feathers  is  a  good  clue  to  Picarue.  There  are  not  ordinarily  more  than  ten  perfect  rectrices, 
and  occasionally  there  are  only  eight,  as  in  the  Anis  (Crotophaga')  ;  the  AVoodpeckers  have 
twelve,  but  one  pair  is  abortive ;  there  are  twelve,  however,  in  the  Kingfishers,  Puff'-birds, 
Indicators,  and  some  others  ;  ten  or  twelve  indifierently  in  the  Motmots.  Pulviplumes  occur 
in  the  Leptosomatidce  an«l  Podargidce.  The  bill  shows  numberless  modifications  in  form,  and 
lias  its  own  specialization  in  nearly  every  family  ;  it  assumes  some  of  the  most  extraordinary 
sliapes,  as  in  the  Hornbills  and  Toucans,  and  is  seldom  of  the  simjde  style  seen  in  a  Thrush  or 
Finch;  it  is  never  hooked  and  cered,  as  in  Parrots  and  Birds  of  Prey,  nor  soft  and  swollen  at 
the  nostrils,  as  in  Pigeons. 

With  this  sketch  of  some  leading  features  of  the  group  (it  will  <niable  the  student  to  recog- 
nize any  Picarian  bird  of  this  country  at  least,  and  that  is  my  main  object),  I  pass  to  the 
consideration  of  its  subdivision,  with  the  remark  that  a  precedent  may  be  found  for  any  con- 
ceivable grouping  of  the  families  that  is  not  perfectly  preposterous,  and  for  some  arrangements 
that  are  nearly  so.  As  well  as  I  can  judge  from  the  material  at  my  command,  and  relying 
upon  authority  for  data  that  I  lack,  the  provisional  arrangement  adopted  in  the  2d-4th  editions 
(tf  the  Key  must  be  entirely  remodelled.  Such  is  especially  the  case  with  the  ''  Cuculiform"' 
Picarians,  which  I  justly  stigmatized  (p.  446)  as  "  a  mixed  lot  requiring  to  be  reconstructed 
by  exclusion  of  some  of  the  fiimilies  given  as  entering  into  its  composition.''  There  are  at 
least  24  Picarian  families,  seven  of  them  North  American,  rouglily  divisible  into  three  groups 
or  series,  which  I  ft)rmerly  called  Cgjjsclifonnes,  Cnculifornies,  and  Piciformes,  answering  to 
tlie  CgpselomorjjhfB,  Coccygomorphce,  and  Celeomorphcc  of  Huxley,  or  the  so-called  "  orders  '' 
Macrochires,  Coccyges,  and  Pici  of  the  A.  0.  U.  But  I  am  now  satisfied  that  we  can  best  im- 
jirove  up(Mi  these  divisions  by  efiiicing  their  alleged  boundaries  and  remapping  tlie  24  families 
liy  redistributing  them  directly  into  several  more  than  three  suborders  or  superfamilies.  Such 
ran  be  satisfactorily  established,  primarily  upon  stnmg  anatomical  grounds,  secondarily  U{)on 
good  external  characters.  The  structural  modifications  most  serviceable  for  classification  are  : 
]iresence  or  absence  of  the  ambiens  muscle  ;  the  disposition  of  the  digits  and  especially  of  their 
Hexor  tendons ;  conformation  of  the  bony  palate,  sternum,  and  bones  of  the  wing;  presence  or 
absence  of  colic  cfeca,  as  curiously  related  to  the  condition  of  the  elpeodochon ;  and  various 
peculiarities  of  tlie  pterylosis,  such  as  the  presence  or  absence  of  aftersluifts,  pulviplumes,  and 
tuft  on  the  oil-gland,  condition  of  the  dorsal  and  ventral  tracts,  number  of  remiges  and  roc- 
trices,  etc.  The  arrangement  of  the  carotid  arteries  is  also  to  be  taken  into  account.  Details 
of  external  form  are  insignificant  in  comparison  with  such  morphological  characters  as  those 
just  indicated,  and  may  even  bo  deceptive;  fi)r  the  superficial  resemblance  is  sliglit  between 
some  chisely  related  families,  and  conversely.  Thus,  the  great  helmeted  II(»rnbills  are  specially 
related  to  the  small  slender-billed  lIoo]>oes;  the  Toucans,  witli  their  enormous  bills,  behmg  to 
the  series  vvhidi  includes  the  Barbels,  I'uti'-birds.  Jacaiiiars,  and  Woodpeckers;  and  otlier  sucii 
instances  could  be  cited. 


540  SYSTEMATIC  SYNOPSIS.  — PIC ARI^. 

There  are  more  than  1,800  species  of  Picarice,  and  the  order  as  a  whole  is  cosmopolitan. 
But  it  is  richest  in  geneni  and  species  in  the  tropical  regions  of  either  hemisphere,  and  most 
of  the  families  occur  only  in  limited  areas,  especially  the  Ethiopian  and  neotropical.  Thus, 
the  Leptosomatidae  are  peculiar  to  Madagascar,  and  the  Todidce  to  the  Antilles.  Exclusively 
Ethiopian  are  the  Irrisoridce,  Coliidce,  and  Musophagidce ;  Ethit)pian  and  Oriental  are  the 
Indicator  idee,  Upupidre,  Bucerotidce,  Meropidce,  Coiaciidce,  and  three  of  these  families  (not 
Indicatoridte  or  Bucerotidce)  are  represented  in  Europe.  Exclusively  neotropical  are  the 
Rhamphastidce,  GalbuUdce,  Bucconidce,  Momotidie,  and  Steatornithidee ;  while  the  Trochilidee 
are  characteristic  of  the  same  region,  but  have  a  few  nearctic  representatives.  The  PodargidfB 
are  Oriental  and  Australian.  Two  families,  Trogonidce  and  Capitonida,  are  remarkable  in 
being  represented  alike  in  the  tropical  portions  of  both  hemispheres.  The  Alcedinidce  are 
widely  dispersed  in  the  Old  World,  with  one  American  genus.  Finally,  the  Micropodidce, 
Capriimdgidce,  Picidce,  and  CucuUdce  are  well  represented  in  both  temperate  and  tropical 
regions  of  both  hemispheres. 

The  very  numerous  genera  fall  in  at  fewest  the  foregoing  24  families,  which  are  universally 
recognized.  The  o}>en  questions  are,  whether  a  family  Maeropterygidce  should  not  be  dis- 
sociated from  the  Micropodidce,  a  family  Nyctibiida  from  the  Cajn'imulgida,  a  family  Centro- 
podidm  from  the  CucuUdce.,  and  the  families  Picumnidce  and  lyngidce  from  the  Picidce. 
Without  prejudice  to  these  points,  the  24  conceded  families  may  be  disposed  in  nine  superfam- 
ilies  or  suborders,  according  to  the  following  arrangement,  which  is  much  more  natural  than 
that  given  in  former  editions  of  the  Key.  The  seven  North  American  families,  representing 
as  many  major  groups,  are  marked  with  the  asterisk,  and  will  be  fouud  more  fully  characterized 
beyond,  under  their  respective  heads. 

Natural  Analysis  of  Suborders  and  Families  of  Picarls;. 

A.   Anomalogonatous ;  ambiens  absent. 

a.  Formula  A  only,  without  B,  X,  or  Y,  i.  e.  femorocaudal  present,  accessory  femorocaudal,  semitendinosus,  and  acces- 

sory semitendinosus  absent.    Nude  oil-gland  and  no  caeca ;  spinal  pteryla  with  narrow  apterium.    Sternum  en- 
tire behind.     Tensor  patagii  brevis  peculiar. 
aa.   Feet  anisodactylous.     Palate  "schizoguathous."     One  family,  American,  and  specially  characteristic  of  the 

Neotropical  region I.  TROCHILI 

*1.     Hummingbirds.      Bill  tenuirostral,  and  tongue  peculiar.     Rectrices  10;   secondaries  only  (!.      A   nest; 

eggs  2,  white 1-  Fam.  Trochilid^ 

bb.   Feet  picarian,  sympelmous  and  anisodactylous  or  pamprodactylous.     Palate  "aegithognathous."     One  family 

of  both  hemispheres  (or  two) 11.  CTPSELI 

*2.   Swifts.     Bill  fissirostral,  and  tongue  not  peculiar.     Rectrices  10,  often  mucrouate.     A  nest ;  eggs  plural  or 

single,  white 2.  Fam.  MiCEOPODiDiE 

(Note.     Sternum  entire,  phalanges  2-3-3-3,  eggs  plural,  in  Micropodina.     Sternum  entire,  phalanges  2-3- 
4-5,  eggs  plural,  in  Chieturince.     Sternum  fenestrate,  phalanges  2-3-1-5,  egg  single,  in  Macropteryginoe  or 

Fam.  MACROPTERYGin>E.) 

b.  Formula  including  X,  without  B  ;  usually  A  X  T,  sometimes  A  X  or  X  Y.     Oil-gland  and  caeca  variable.     Spinal 

pteryla  variable. 

cc.  Feet  passerine,  schizopelmous  (to  beyond  bases  of  toes,  where  desmopelmous)  and  anisodactylous.     (Formula 

A  X  Y.)     Palate  desmognathous.     Manubrium  sterni  acute.     Tufted  oil-gland  and  no  csBca.     Sinistrocarotid. 

Bill  tenuirostral ;  tongue  lipoglossine.     Sternum  not  entire.     Spinal  pteryla  forked  in  scapular  region.     After 

shafts  rudimentary  or  none.     Two  Old  World  families III.  UPUP.^ 

3.  Wood  Hoopoes.  Sternum  2-fenestrate.  Nostrils  lateral,  operculate.  Plumage  metallic  ;  no  crest.  Tail  long, 
graduated.     African  ;  3  genera,  Irrisor,  Scoptelus,  Bfiinopomaslus 3.  Fam.  Irrisorid.«: 

4.  Ground  Hoopoes.  Sternum  2-notched.  Nostrils  superior,  non-operculate.  Pliunage  non-metallic  ;  a  large 
compressed  crest.     Tail  short,  square.     African  and  Eurasian  ;  one  genus,  Upupa  ....  4.  Fam.  Upupid.e 

dd.  Feet  picarian,  sympelmous  and  anisodactylous,  and  more  or  less  syndactylous  (toes  3  in  front,  1  behind  ;  the 
former  more  or  less  united  in  a  fleshy  sole).  Palate  desmognathous.  (Formula  A  X  Y,  except  in  Alcedinidw. 
Oil-gland  and  caeca  variable.)    Eggs  white.     Five  families. 

IV.  HALCYONES 

5.  Hornbills.  Sternum  2-notched  at  most.  Skeleton  pneumatic.  Tufted  oil-gland  and  no  caeca.  Carotids  two, 
one  or  none  functional.  Pterylosis  peculiar  ;  spinal  tract  defective  in  cervical  region,  no  aftershafts,  no  down- 
feathers,  eyelids  lashed.    Rectrices  10.    Bill  enormous,  helmeted,  or  otherwise  peculiar.     Tongue  lipoglossine. 


PICARI^:   PIC  ART  AN  BIRDS.  541 

Chiefly  Oriental  and  Austromalayan  (subfamily  Bucerotincx),  but  also  Ethiopian  (subfamily  ^Mcort'inop);  about 

60  species 5.  Finn.  Bucerotid.*; 

*6.  Kingfishers.  (Formula  A  X.)  Sternum  4-notched.  Tufted  oil-gland  and  no  CiEca.  Bicarotidean.  No  spinal 
space  and  no  aftershafts.  Rectrices  12  as  a  rule,  10  in  Tanysiptera.  Feet  thoroughly  syndactylous  (3-toed  in 
two  genera  by  loss  of  2d  toe).  Bill  long,  but  more  or  less  fissirostral ;  tomia  not  serrate  (exc.  Syma).  Tongue 
lipoglossine.     Two  subfamilies,  chiefly  Old  World,  only  one  genus  American G.  Fam.  AlcedisidjE 

7.  Mutmots.  Sternum  4-fenestrate.  Oil-gland  nude  or  slightly  tufted;  no  caeca.  Bicarotidean.  No  spinal 
space  ;  plumage  aftershafted.  Rectrices  12,  in  Baryphthenrjus  10,  the  middle  pair  long  and  usually  spatulate. 
Bill  serrate.     Neotropical 7.   Fam.  Momotid* 

8.  Todies.  Sternum  4-notched.  Tufted  oil-gland  and  2  caeca.  Bicarotidean.  No  spinal  space  or  fork.  Rectrices 
12,  short,  even.  Bill  long,  flat,  obtuse,  minutely  serrulate.  Eggs  plural,  white.  Nest  burrowed  un^ler  ground. 
Antillean ;  one  small  geuus,  Todus 8.  Fam.  Todid^ 

9.  Bee-eaters.  Sternum  4-uotched.  Nude  oil-gland  and  2  caeca.  Carotids  variable.  A  spinal  space.  Toes  syn- 
dactylous. Plumage  aftershafted.  Rectrices  10,  12  ?.  Bill  tenuirostral.  African  and  Eurasiatic  ;  2  subfam- 
ilies, Meropina;  and  yyctiornithinre y.  Fain.  Meropid^ 

ee.  Feet  picarian,  sympelmous  and  pamprodactylous  (4  toes  in  front).  Formula  A  X  Y.  Palate  desmognathous ; 
no  vomer  nor  basipterygoids.  Tufted  oil-gland  and  no  caeca.  Sinistrocarotidean.  Plumage  aftershafted. 
Spinal  pteryla  simple  in  scapular  region.  Sternum  4-notched.  Rectrices  10.  A  nest ;  eggs  white.  One  fam- 
ily, Etliiopian V.  PAMPRODACTYLI 

10.  Colics.  Bill  short  and  stout.  Tail  very  long.  One  genus,  Colitis  (including  Bhabdocolius  and  Crocolius), 
of  about  9  species 10    Fam.  Coi^uvx 

ff.  Feet  picarian,  sympelmous  and  anisodactylous  (in  one  family  somewhat  zygodactylous).  Palate  various.  Nude 
oil-gland,  or  none  ;  caeca.    Spinal  pteryla  furcate  in  scapular  region.    Five  (or  six  ?)  families      VI.  CORAf 'liE 

11.  Kirumbos.  Palate  desmognathous.  Fourth  toe  versatile;  foot  thus  pseudozygodactylous,  Formula  A  X  Y. 
A  pair  of  uropygial  powder-down  patclies  ;  plumage  aftershafted ;  frontal  antise  plumose  ;  sexes  unlike,  <f 
metallic.     Rectrices  12.     Bill  stout ;  nostrils  anterior.     One  Madagascan  genus,  of  one  or  two  species 

11.  Leptosomatid^ 

12.  Rollers.  Palate  desmognathous ;  basipterygoids  rudimentary ;  vomer  attenuate.  Formula  A  X  Y.  No  pow- 
der-down. Two  carotids.  Nude  oil-gland.  Plumage  aftershafted,  alike  in  both  sexes,  non-metallic,  but 
brilliant.  Rectrices  12.  Bill  stout ;  nostrils  subbasal.  Two  subfamilies  ;  Coraciinw,  two  arboreal,  diurnal 
genera,  Eurasiatic  and  African ;  and  Brac/iypteraciiiiw,  three  terrestrial,  somewhat  nocturnal  genera,  con- 
fined to  Madagascar 12.  Corachd.e 

*13.  Goatsuckers.  Palate  schizognatlious ;  basipterygoids  small ;  palatines  expanded  posteriorly ;  vomer  trun- 
cate in  front.  Two  carotids.  Sternum  2-  or  4-notched.  Nude  oil-gland,  small.  Plumage  aftershafted.  Rec- 
trices 10.     Bill  very  small,  weak,  but  deeply  fissirostral.     Habits  partly  nocturnal.    No  nest  ;  young  downy : 

eggs  normally  2,  colored  or  colorless.     Nearly  cosmopolitan 13.  Caprimcloid.« 

(Note.  No  powdtr-doivn,  sternum  2-notclied,  phalanges  2-.3-4-4,  middle  claw  pectinate,  and  bill  not  toothed, 
in  CaprimulgiiKT  ;  powder-down,  sternum  4-notched,  phalanges  normal,  2-3-4-5,  no  pectination,  and  bill 
toothed  in  Xyctibiinre  or  fam    XvrTiBiin.K  ) 

14.  Frofj-months.  Palate  desmognathous ;  basipterygoids  rudimentary ;  palatines  expanded  in  lateral  processes. 
Sternum  4-notched.  No  oil-gland  (/'oi/i/ );/»,?) ;  uropygial  powder-down  patches  (not  i\\  ^Fgollielesf).  Rectrices 
10.  Phalanges  normal,  2-3-1-5,  and  claw  not  pectinate.  Rictus  enormous.  Habits  nocturnal.  A  nest;  eggs 
white  or  colored ;  young  downy.  Oriental  and  Australian.  Podurgus  and  Batrachoslomus,  of  the  subfamily 
Poilarginw,  nostrils  basal ;  ^gotheles,  of  the  subfamily  ^gothehnce,  nostrils  subterminal 

14.    Fam.   Podarqid* 

15.  Oil-birds.  Peculiar  in  the  fornuila  X  Y,  and  otherwise ;  perhaps  should  stand  alone  as  a  suborder,  Sleator- 
nithes,  related  to  the  Owls.  Palate  desmognathous ;  basipterygoids  develope  1 :  palatines  contracted.  Sternum 
2-notched.  Large  nude  oil-gland.  Two  carotids.  Bronchial  syringes.  Skull  owl-like.  Rectrices  10.  One 
genus.  Neotropical 15.  Fam.  Steatornithid.k 

gg.  Feet  picarian  in  a  peculiar  way,  heteropelmous  and  heterodactylous  (zygodactylous,  but  by  reversion  of  second 
toe).  Formula  A  X  (as  in  Kingfi.shers).  Palate  schizognathous ;  basipterygoids  present.  Nude  oil-gland  and 
2  small  c*ca.     Sternum  4-notched.      Sinistrocarotid.      General  pterylosis  passerine  ;   spinal  pteryla  simple  ; 

plumage  aftershafted.     Rectrices  12.     One  family,  of  both  hemispheres VII.    TROGONES 

*1C.    Trogons.     Bill  stout,  serrate  or  smooth IC.  Tkooonid.e 

hh.  Feet  picarian,  antio|>elmou8  and  perfectly  zygodactylous  (in  the  usual  way,  by  reversion  of  fourth  toe  ;  hallux 
wanting  in  certain  .'i-toed  genera).  Formula  including  X,  usually  al.so  Y.  Palate  and  carotids  variable.  No 
basipterygoids.  Oil-gland  variable.  Aftershafts  small  or  vestigial.  Spinal  pteryla  simple.  Sternum  and  tensor 
patagii  brevis  characteristic.      Wing-coverts  tending  to  reduction  to  passerine   Bmallness.     Six  (or  eight  ?) 

families VIII.  PICI 

•17.  Woodpeckers.  Palate  of  the  peculiar  structure  called  pnurognathous ;  vomers  paired.  Formula  A  X  Y 
(with  some  exceptions).  Maiuibrlum  storni  furciitc.  Sinistrocarotid.  Tufted  oil-gland  and  no  rjrca.  Syrinx 
broncho-tracheal,  with  om-  p.iir  of  intrinsic  and  one  of  extrinsic  niuscles.  Wing-coviTt.s  posxerine.  Rectrices 
normally  12,  one  pair  spurious.  Bill  peculiar  ;  fong\ie  usually  lumbriciforni.  Hallux  luis.shig  In  five  genera. 
Nest  in  holes  ;  eggs  plural,  wliite.  Nearly  cosmopolitan ;  three  subfamilies,  /'irimr  with  rigid  acumiiinte  rec- 
trices, Pieumnina  and  lyngimr  with  soft  rectrices,  the  two  latter  sometimes  sciuirated  as  different  f.tniilion 

17.  Film.  rictD.« 


542  SYSTEMATIC  SYNOPSIS.— PICARnE. 

18.  Guide-birds.  Palate  called  aegithognathous  or  schlzognathous ;  vomer  forked.  Intrinsic  syringeal  muscles 
one  pair.  Formula  A  X  Y.  Manubrium  sterni  acute.  Sinistrocarotid.  Tufted  oil-gland  and  no  caeca.  Ven- 
tral pteryla  forked  on  throat.  Wing-coverts  passerine.  Primaries  only  9.  Rectrices  12  (in /rerfica/or),  or  10 
(in  Prodoiiscus).     Bill  moderate.     Two  genera,  African  and  Asiatic 18.  Fam.  iNDicATORiDiE 

19.  Barbels.  Palate  called  aegithognathous  or  desmognathous  ;  vomer  forked.  Formula  A  X  Y.  Manubrium 
sterni  acute.  Sinistrocarotid.  Tufted  oil-gland  and  no  cseca.  Syrinx  simply  broncho-tracheal,  without  in- 
trinsic muscles.  Ventral  pteryla  forked.  Wing-coverts  passerine.  Rectrices  10.  Bill  moderate,  highly 
bristly.     About  30  Old  World  genera ;  2  genera  (Capito  and  Tetragunops)  Neotropical 

19.    CAPIT0N1D.E  (or  MegALjEMID«) 

20.  Toucans.  Palate  desmognathous ;  vomer  truncate.  Nasals  holorhinal ;  no  basipterygoids.  Formula  A  XY. 
Manubrium  sterni  acute.  Sinistrocarotid,  as  a  rule.  Tufted  oil-gland  and  no  caeca.  Plumage  aftershafted. 
Wing-coverts  passerine.  Rectrices  10.  Bill  enormous ;  tongue  macroglossine,  horny,  and  feathery.  Nest  in 
holes  in  trees  ;  eggs  white.     Five  or  more  Neotropical  genera  ;  50  or  more  species  .    20.  Fam.  Rhamphastid.*; 

21.  Jacamars.  Formula  A  X  Y  or  A  X.  Bicarotidean.  Nude  oil-gland,  but  caeca  developed.  Ventral  pteryla 
branched  in  gular  region  ;  plumage  brilliant,  aftershafted  ;  wing-coverts  subpasserine.  Rectrices  12  (radac«d 
to-10  in  two  genera).  Hallux  missing  in  one  genus  (Jacamaralcyon) ;  feet  somewhat  syndactylous.  Bill  tenui- 
rostral,  with  keeled  gonys  and'  ridged  culmen.  Nest  in  burrows.  Eggs  2,  white.  Neotropical.  GalbuUnce, 
5  genera  ;  Jacamaropinw,  one  genus 21.  Fam.  GrALBULlDiE 

22.  Puff-birds.  Palate  desmognathous.  Formula  A  X  Y  ?  Bicarotidean.  Nude  oil-gland,  but  large  caeca. 
Ventral  pteryla  unbranched  in  gular  region ;  plumage  dull,  not  aftershafted  ;  wing-coverts  not  passerine. 
Rectrices  12.     Bill  stout,  with  flat  gonys.     Nest  in  burrows.     Eggs  2,  white.     Neotropical ;  genera  7  or  more. 

22.  Fam.  Bucconid^ 
B.   Homalogonatous  ;  ambiens  present. 

Formula  A  B  X  Y  or  A  X  Y ;  i.  e.  femorocaudal  present,  its  accessory  present  or  absent,  semitendinosus  and  its 
accessory  present. 
Feet  picarian,  desmopelmous  and  zygodactylous  (in  the  usual  way  by  reversion  of  4th  toe  ;  hallux  always  present). 

Palate  desmognathous.     Spinal  pteryla  forked  in  scapular  region IX.  COCCYGES 

*23.  Cuckoos.  Feet  perfectly  zygodactylous.  Nude  oil-gland  and  2  caeca.  Plumage  not  aftershafted.  Rectrices 
10  (8  in  Guira  and  Crotophaga).  (Formula  normally  A  X  Y,  but  A  B  X  Y  in  Centropus,  etc  )  Syringes  vari- 
able.    Cosmopolitan  ;  genera  upward  of  40,  in  several  subfamilies 23.  Fam.  CuculiDjK 

24.  Turacoiis.  Feet  imperfectly  zygodactylovis  ;  fourth  toe  versatile.  Tufted  oil-gland  and  no  caeca.  Plumage 
aftershafted.     Rectrices  10.     (Formula  A  B  XY.)     Ethiopian;  genera  6 24.  /^«»».  Musophagid^ 

It  must  be  obvious,  from  the  foregoing  exhibit,  that  no  linear  arrangement  of  the  groups 
can  possibly  exhibit  tlieir  various  interrelations;  and  consequently,  any  sequence  of  the  families 
we  may  adopt  becomes  a  choice  of  evils.  By  common  consent,  the  highly  specialized  Tro- 
chilidce  stand  at  or  near  the  '*  head  "  of  the  series,  and  near  or  next  to  them  come  the  Micro- 
podidce  (Cypselidce).  Again,  the  homalogonatous  Cuciilidce  and  Musophagidce,  differing  most 
from  all  the  rest,  and  even  hinting  at  gallinaceous  affinities,  are  best  put  at  the  "  foot "  of  the 
series.  But  between  these  extremes  there  is  room  for  wide  difference  of  opinion  in  arranging 
the  families  of  the  whole  order,  even  when  we  have  only  those  of  North  America  to  deal  with. 
It  will  be  observed  that  our  seven  families  represent  as  many  of  the  whole  number  of  suborders, 
only  the  Pamprodactyli  (the  Colies)  and  the  Upupce  being  unrepresented  in  our  fauna.  Now 
the  XTpupce  are  certainly  "high"  in  the  Picarian  series,  with  their  passerine  feet,  etc. — so 
high  that  Salvin  makes  them  head  the  order,  even  taking  precedence  of  the  TrocMlidce.  Yet 
their  closest  relationships  are  with  the  BuceroUdce,  or  Hornbills ;  and  to  bring  out  this  fact  I 
am  obliged,  in  the  foregoing  schedule,  to  bring  in  the  Halcyones  next  after  the  UpnpcE.  But 
this  arrangement  has  the  disadvantage  of  throwing  the  Caprimidgidce  far  out  of  their  unde- 
niable bearing  upon  the  Cypselidce,  and  so  upon  the  Trochilidce  ;  for  the  actual  relationships  of 
these  three  families  are  so  close  that  with  most  authors  they  form  one  suborder  —  the  so-called 
Macrochires,  Cypseliformes,  or  CypselomorplicB.  In  a  faunal  work  like  the  present  it  may  not 
be  necessary  to  insist  upon  considerations  involved  in  the  relationships  of  the  H(jopoes  and 
Hornbills;  and  it  is  easy  to  bring  the  Caprimnlgid/e  next  after  the  Cypselida;,  by  simply  trans- 
posing the  places  occupied  by  the  Halcyones  and  Coracicv  in  the  foregoing  scheme.  Making  this 
single  change,  the  sequence  of  our  seven  suborders  and  seven  families  becomes  :  Trochili, 
Trochilidce;  Cypseli,  Micropodidce ;  Coraci^,  Caprimnlgidce ;  Halcyones,  Alcedinidce : 
Trogones,  Trogonidce ;  Pici,  Picida; ;  and  Coccyges,  Cuculidce.  This  arrangement  seems 
to  me  to  be  as  "  natural"  as  any  tliat  can  be  devised;  it  certainly  brings  out  some  good  points. 


TROCHILIDyE :   HUMMINGBIRDS.  543 

as  in  placing  the  yoke-toed  (vvliether  heterodactylous  or  zygodactylous)  families  together,  after 
the  anisodactylous  or  pamprodactylous  ones ;  it  heads  the  list  with  the  Humuiers,  and  foots  it 
with  the  Cuckoos  ;  and  it  violates  no  obvious  interrelations  of  the  intermediate  famihes.  Hav- 
ing these  recommendations,  this  is  the  sequence  I  shall  adopt  in  the  present  edition  of  the 
Key.* 

Suborder  TROCHILI  :  Hummingbirds. 

See  p.  540  for  analytical  characters  of  this  group,  especially  in  comparison  with  the  tissi- 
rostral  macrochirous  type  —  the  Ci/jiseli.  The  skeleton  agrees  closely,  iu  general,  with  that 
of  the  Swifts,  but  has  many  minor  peculiarities  in  detail,  among  which  the  most  prominent  are 
the  modifications  of  the  facial  bones  conformably  with  the  long  slender  bill.  The  palatal  ar- 
rangement is  schizognathous.  The  deeply  carinate  sternum  widens  toward  its  uunotched 
xiphoid  border;  there  is  no  manubrium;  the  furculum  is  U-shaped,  with  rudimentary  hypo- 
clidium  ;  the  coracoid  canaliculate;  the  humerus  very  short  and  stout,  the  radius  arched,  the 
metacarpus  and  phalanges  greatly  elongated.  A  chief  anatomical  peculiarity  is  the  structure 
of  the  tongue,  which  somewhat  resembles  a  Woodpeckei-'s  in  being  protrusible  or  capable  of 
being  thrust  far  out  of  the  beak  by  a  muscular  mechanism  connected  with  the  long  horns  of 
the  hyoid  or  tongue-bone,  which  curve  up  around  the  back  of  the  skull ;  the  tongue  is  in  efl'cct 
a  sheathed  double-barrelled  tube,  appearing  like  two  cylinders  united  for  some  distance,  tlien 
opening  out  with  a  thin  lacerated  edge.  This  structure  is  supposed  to  be  used  to  suck  the 
sweets  of  flowers.  There  are  no  cseca,  and  the  oil-gland  is  nude.  The  myological  formula  lacivs 
the  ambiens,  accessory  femorocaudal,  semitendinosus,  and  its  accessory,  as  in  the  Swifts  ;  the 
flexor  longus  hallucis  supplies  the  hallux  and  by  a  branch  the  second  digit,  besides  sending  the 
remnants  of  slii)s  to  the  third  and  fourth ;  the  second,  third,  and  fourth  digits  are  supplied  as 
usual  by  the  flexor  digitorum.  There  are  no  sterno-tracheals.  There  is  one  carotid  artery,  the 
left.  The  pterylosis  is  characteristic.  This  is  a  highly  monomorphic  or  monotypic  group, 
containing  a  single  definitely  circumscribed  family,  peculiar  to  America,  and  specially  charac- 
teristic of  the  Neotropical  region. 

Family  TROCHILID^ :   Hummingbirds. 

Tenunostral  macrochirous  Picaricc.  These  beautiful  little  creatures  will  be  known  on 
sight  by  their  diminutive  size  and  gorgeous  coloration,  without  regard  to  their  technical  char- 
acters. They  are  called  Hummingbirds  because  their  wings  make  such  a  noise  in  flight, 
whirring  so  rapidly  that  the  eye  cannot  follow  their  vibrations.  The  French  know  them  as 
oiseaux-mouches,  or  "bird-flies,"  for  the  same  reason;  their  curious  resemblance  to  insects  has 
struck  every  one  who  ever  saw  a  Hummer  pcnsed  on  misty  pinions  before  a  flower,  when  a 
second  glance  might  be  refpiired  to  distinguish  the  feathered  bird  from  a  furred  sphinx-moth.  In 
])owers  of  flight  the  Hummers  are  equalled  by  few  if  any  birds,  and  certainly  surpassed  by  none 
iu  the  marvellous  rapidity  with  which  they  dart  through  the  sunsiiiue.  ^ 

•  The  arranRement  in  former  editions  of  the  Key  is:  Ctpseliformes,  Caprimiilffidir,  Ci/psrlidir,  Trochilidcr  ; 
CucuLiFORMEs,  Troffoniilip,  Alreiliiiklir,  Cuciilktif ;  Picifokmes,  I'irkia-.  This  is  bad,  both  in  the  construction  of  sub- 
orders and  sequence  of  families.  In  the  classification  atlopted  in  tlie  A.  O.  U.  Lists  there  is  some  faulty  construction  of 
three  major  groups  as  in  Key,  with  an  improvement  in  their  sequence.  Reversing  the  A.  O.  U.  arrangement,  which  pro- 
ceeds from  lowest  to  highest,  in  order  to  correctly  exhibit  its  relations  with  the  foregoing,  we  find  it  to  be  :  Order  Macro- 
CHtREs  ;  Suborder  Trix  hili,  Troc/iilitftr  ;  Suborder  Cypseli,  Afitropoilidir  ;  Suborder  Caprimuloi,  Caprimiilgitlir.  Order 
Pici ;  no  suborder,  /'Iriilir.  Order  Coccyges  ;  Suborder  Alcyones.  Alcedini<l(r  :  Sahorder  Trooones,  Trogonuiir  ;  Sub- 
order CucuLi,  Ciiruliilir.  In  the  Standard  Natural  History,  Dr.  Stejneger  judiciously  recognizes  the  seven  North  Amer- 
ican superfaniilies  of  Picarian  birds  ;  but  their  sequence  is  less  happy,  especially  in  the  wiile  separation  of  C(ij>ritiiul(jiit(r 
from  Ciijisilidir  and  Trm/iilidir  His  seipience  rever.sed,  or  from  highest  to  lowest,  is,  for  the  foregoing  families  :  Tro- 
chilidir,  Miiiiiiiodidrr,  Tniiioiiidir,  J'icidtr,  Alcriliiiidir,  Cfipriiniilijiiltr,  Cuciilidtr.  Both  the  numl>er  and  the  sequence  of 
groups,  so  far  as  those  of  North  America  are  concerned,  as  given  in  the  foregoiug  text,  are  identical  with  those  presented 
iu  the  British  Museum  Catalogues. 


544 


SYSTEMA  TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  PICARl.I^  —  TROCHILI. 


The  flying-apparatus,  as  in  the  Swifts,  presents  a  very  deep-keeled  entire  sternum,  for 
attachment  of  powerful  pectoral  muscles;  a  very  short  upper-arm,  but  the  distal  segments  of 
the  fore  limb  lengthened,  particularly  the  hand,  bearing  a  long,  thin-bladed,  or  even  falcate 


\if 


Fig.  354.  —  Hummingbirds.     (From  Michelet.) 


wing ;  primaries  10,  the  1st  usually 
longest ;  secondaries  reduced  to  6,  and 
very  short.  Tail  of  10  rectrices,  but 
otherwise  too  variable  to  be  character- 
ized, presenting  almost  every  pecu- 
liarity in  size  and  shape  as  a  whole,  in 
size  and  shape  of  individual  feathers, 
and  often  difl'ering  in  form  as  well  as 
color  in  the  opposite  sexes  of  the  same 
species.  Feet  extremely  small  and 
weak,  unfit  for  progression,  formed  ex- 
clusively for  perching  ;  tarsi  naked  or 
feathered.  Hind  toe  incumbent,  as  in 
Passerine  birds.  Claws  all  large,  sharp 
and  curved.  The  bill  exhibits  the 
tenuirostral  type  in  perfection,  being 
long  and  extremely  slender  for  its 
length  ;  it  is  usually  straight,  subulate 
or  awl-shaped,  or  with  lancet-shaped 
tip;    it  is   often    decurved,  sometimes 


recurved,  and  again  bent  almost  at  an  angle ;  in  length  it  varies  from  less  than  the  head  to 
more  than  all  the  rest  of  the  bird.  The  cutting  edges  of  the  mandibles  are  inflected,  and  either 
serrate,  serrulate,  or  smooth ;  the  rictus  is  devoid  of  bristles.  The  nostrils  are  linear,  with  a 
supercumbent  scale  or  operculum,  sometimes  naked,  oftener  feathered.  In  size  the  Hummers 
average  the  least  of  all  birds,  the  giants  among  them  alone  reaching  a  length  of  6  or  7  inches, 
the  pygmies  being  under  3  inches ;  the  usual  stature  is  3  or  4  inches.  In  a  few  the  coloration 
is  plain,  or  even  sombre;  most  have  glittering  iridescent  tints — "the  most  gorgeously  bril- 
liant metallic  hues  known  among  created  things."     The  sexes  are  usually  unlike  in  color. 

Hummingbirds,  like  poets,  belong  to  the  genus  irritahile ;  they  are  very  nervy  if  not  also 
brainy  little  creatures,  of  greater  courage  than  discretion,  quick-tempered  and  extremely  pug- 
nacious—  the  Kingbird  which  has  just  whipped  a  Hawk  or  a  Crow  maybe  assaulted  and 
worsted  by  the  impetuous  Ruby-throat.  The  food  of  Hummers  was  formerly  supposed  to  be 
the  sweets  of  flowers.  It  is  now  known  that  they  are  chiefly  insectivorous.  Their  little  nests 
are  models  of  architectural  beauty.  The  eggs  are  always  two  in  number,  elliptical  in  shape, 
and  white  in  color.  The  young  hatch  weak  and  helpless,  requiring  to  be  fed  by  the  parents, 
Hummers  being  thus  of  altricial  nature.     The  voice  is  not  musical. 

The  family  is  one  of  the  most  perfectly  circumscribed  in  ornithology,  and  one  of  the  largest 
groups  of  its  grade.  So  intimately  and  variously  are  the  genera  interrelated  that  every  attempt 
to  divide  it  into  subfamilies  has  proven  unsatisfactory.  Hummers  are  peculiar  to  America. 
Species  occur  from  Alaska  to  Patagonia ;  but  we  have  a  mere  sprinkling  in  this  country. 
The  centre  of  abundance  is  in  tropical  South  America,  particularly  Colombia.  Nearly  500 
speciniens  are  current.  The  genera  or  subgenera  vary  with  authors  from  50  to  150.  Mr.  D. 
G.  Elliot,  one  of  the  highest  authorities  upon  the  subject,  gives  426  species,  assigned  to  125 
genei'a.  The  latest  monographer,  Mr.  Osbert  Salvin,  one  of  the  most  careful  and  critical 
ornithologists  who  ever  lived,  arranges  the  Hummers  in  3  series  called  Serrirostres,  Inter- 
medii,  and  Laevirostres,  with  127  genera  and  480  species.  None  of  the  known  North  Ameri- 
can Hummers  exhibits  the  extremes  of  shape  of  bill  or  tail  which  some  of  the  tropical  genera 


TR OCHILIDJE :  HUMMINGBIRDS. 


545 


illustrate;  in  only  one  (Calothorax  lucifer)  is  the  bill  decidedly  curved.  Only  one  species  is 
more  than  5  inches  long  —  the  magnificent  Coeligena  clemendee.  Some  curious  shapes  of  tail, 
including  marked  sexual  characters  in  this  respect,  are  exhibited  by  certain  genera,  especially 
the  wonderful  Loddigesia. 

Only  one  species,  the  common  Ruby-throat,  is  known  to  occur  in  the  East ;  this  was  the 
only  one  known  to  Wilson.  Audubon  gave  four  species,  but  one  of  them  erroneously.  Since 
his  time,  many  new  forms  of  these  exquisite  creatures  have  successively  been  brought  to  light 
over  our  Mexican  bor- 
der. In  1858,  Baird 
gave  seven  (one  of  them 
Lampornis  mango,  erro- 
neously, as  Audubon  liad 
done).  In  1872,  in  tlie 
Key,  I  was  able  to  in- 
crease the  number  to  ten, 
but  with  two  wrongly 
given  (the  Lamponiix 
and  Agyrtria  linncii). 
The  same  ten,  with  the 
two  errors,  were  given 
by  Baird  and  Kidgway 
in  1874.  Within  ten 
years  the  discoveries 
were  so  many,  that,  after 
eliminating  the  two  er- 
rors, I  was  able  to  de- 
scribe in  1884  no  fewer 
than  fifteen  perfectly 
distinct  species  of  United  States  Hummingbirds ;  and  I  then  stated  that  I  had  no  doubt  that 
several  others  would  in  due  time  be  found  over  our  Mexican  border.  The  sixteenth  (Coeligena 
clemendee)  was  added  to  the  3d  ed.  of  tlie  Key,  1887;  the  seventeenth  and  eighteenth  (Tro- 
chiliis  violijugidaris  and  S.  floresH)  were  installed  in  the  4th  ed.,  1890.  I  have  now  to 
include  the  nineteenth  (Basilinna  Irucofis).  But  Afthi><  heUmfP  is  not  confirmed,  reducine:  fur 
the  present  the  total  to  eighteen.  Among  the  probabilities  are  Lamprolccma  rhami  and  Cam- 
pglopterus  hemileucurus. 

The  discrimination  of  the  females  and  young  is  difficult ;  but  witli  the  adult  males  there 
should  be  no  trouble.  The  following  table  is  intended  to  enable  the  student  to  tell  the  genus 
and  species  directly  of  any  United  States  Hummer,  if  tlie  specimen  lie  has  in  iiand  be  an  adult 
male.  If  a  female  or  young,  he  must  refer  to  the  detailed  descriptions.  He  will  be  much  as- 
sisted by  the  figures  of  generic  details  drawn  from  nature  by  Mr.  R.  Ridgway  for  Mr.  D.  G. 
Elliot's  monograpli,  and  kindly  loaned  to  mv  by  Professor  Baird. 


Fig.    355.  —  Ruby-throated    Hummingbirds,    (f,    9i   and    nest,   nearly   nat.    size. 
(Sheppard  del.     Nichols  sc.) 


Analysis  of  Genera  and  Species  of  X.  A.  Trochilidoe  (athdt  males). 

Frontal  featliers  not  fully  covering  nasal  scale.     Tarsi  feathered.     Tail  emarginate.    Bill  broad,  in  part  flesh-colored. 
Nasal  scale  entirely  naked. 

White  stripe  on  head.     Crown,  face,  and  chin  blue-black.     Tail  mostly  rufous    ....     Unsilinna  ranluti 

Tail  mostly  blue llnsilinna  leucotis 

Nasal  scale  partly  naked. 

Crown  green  ;  throat  blue  ;  tail  blackish Imhe  Intirnslris 

Throat  grci-n;  tail  rufous;  sides  rufous Aiiii:ilscrrtinivriilrijir/Mlconota 

Throat  green  1  tail  rufous;  sides  green .imizilis  tzacatl 

35 


546 


S  YS TEMA  TIC   S  YNOPSIS.  —  PICA  R  LE  —TRO CHILI. 


Frontal  feathers  covering  nasal  scale. 
Bill  not  perfectly  straight. 

Bill  curved  throughout.     Tail  forked,  with  almost  filiform  lateral  feather Calolhorax  lucifer 

Bill  nearly  straight.     Length  over  4  inches.     Throat  and  breast  green Eugenes  fulgens 

Bill  perfectly  straight. 

Length  over  5  inches Caligena  clemencioB 

Length  under  4  inches. 

Crown  as  well  as  throat  with  metallic  scales. 

Scales  lilac-crimson.     Lateral  tail-feather  parallel-edged Calypte  annce 

Scales  violet.     Lateral  tail-feather  acutely  falcate Calypte  costm 

Scales  red Selasphorus  Jioresii 

Crown  simply  glossy,  like  back ;  throat  with  metallic  scales. 
Middle  tail-featliers  unlike  back  in  color. 

Scales  confined  to  ends  of  throat-feathers,  their  bases  snow-white Stellula  calliope 

Middle  tail-feathers  like  back  in  color  ;  throat-scales  forming  a  continuous  surface. 

Lateral  tail-feathers  white-tipped  ;  none  acuminate.      Outer  primary  abruptly  emarginate  and  acute 

Atthis  morcomi 
Lateral  tail-feathers  not  white-tipped  ;  some  or  all  acuminate. 

Throat-scales  coppery-red ;  back  and  tail  greenish ;  outer  two  primaries  acute,  falcate  ;  all  the 

tail-feathers  acuminate,  the  two  outer  acicular Selasphorus  alleni 

Throat-scales  coppery-red;   back  and  tail  mostly  chestnut;   primaries  as  in  >S'.  alleni;  next  to 

middle  tail-feather  abruptly  notched Selasphorus  ru/us 

Throat-scales  lilac-red ;  back  golden-green ;  1st  primary  emarginate,  turned  outward,  next  ob- 
liquely incised  at  end Selasphorus  platycercus 

Throat-scales  opaque  black,  becoming  violet  posteriorly;    back  golden-green;   primaries  not 

peculiar Trochilus  alexandri 

Throat-scales  ruby-red ;  back  golden-green.     Primaries  not  peculiar  (Eastern) 

Trochilus  colubris 

EU'GENES.  {QfX.  elyevr}s,  eugenes,  weW-horu.)  Fulgent  Hummers.  Of  great  size  :  about 
5  inches  long.  Bill  much  longer  than  head,  not  quite  straight,  flattened  and  slightly  widened  at 
base,  subcylindrical  in  continuity,  with  lancet-pointed  tip.     Frontal  feathers  extending  on  nasal 

scale.  Tail  ample,  in  $  moderately 
forked,  in  9  double-rounded,  all  the 
feathers  broad,  with  rounded  ends. 
Tarsi  feathered.  A  tuft  of  downy- 
white  at  insertion  of  feet.  Outer 
primary  but  little  narrower  or  more 
falcate  than  the  rest.  Sexes  nearly 
alike  in  form,  unlike  in  color.  Bill 
black;  no  white  on  tail  of  $ . 
E.  f ul'gens.  (Lat.  fulgens,  glitter- 
ing. Figs.  356,  357,  358.)  Re- 
fulgent Hummingbird.  Rivoli 
Hummingbird.  Papantzin.  $: 
Tail  simply  forked.  General  body- 
color  shining  golden-green  above 
and  below,  duller  on  belly  and  cris- 
suin,  on  breast  showing  opaque 
black  when  vievA-ed  from  before 
backward.  Crown  glittering  metallic  violet  in  proper  light,  opaque  black  viewed  obliquely 
from  behind  forward.  Gorget  glittering  emerald-green  in  proper  light,  opaque  greenish -black 
from  the  opposite  direction.  White  marks  about  eyes.  Tail  like  body,  but  more  brassy. 
Wing-coverts  and  lining  of  wings  like  body ;  quills  dusky-purplish.  Large  :  length  about 
5.00;  extent  6.50;  wing  2.75 ;  tail  1.75;  bill  over  1.00  from  feathers  on  culmen,  nearly  1.50 
along  gape.  9  :  Upper  parts  like  those  of  $,  but  crown  like  back.  No  emerald  gorget, 
whole  under  parts  whitish,  specked  here  and  there  with  green ;  throat  with  dusky  specks. 


Nests  of  Rivoli  and  Black-Chinned  Hummers. 


TROCHILID^E :   HUMMINGBIRDS. 


547 


Fio.  357.  —  Refulgent  Hummingbird,  head,  nat 
6126.     (From  Elliot. ) 


Fio.  358. —Tail  of  the  same,  cf, 
nat.  size.     (From  EUiot.) 


Wings  as  in  ^,  but  tail  very  different  ;    double-rounded,   both  central  and  lateral  feathers 
shorter  than  intermediate  ones ;  middle  feathers  brassy-green,  others  the  same  iu  decreasing 

extent,  increasing  in 

blackish      toward 

ends,    and    squarely 

tipped      with      dull 

white.        Smaller: 

length    about    4.50; 

wing  2.50;  tail  1.50  ; 

bill,  however,  about 

as    long.       A    large 

and  mo.st  magnificent  species,  inhabiting  the  table  lands  of  Me.xico,  and  N.  to  Arizona,  where 
it  breeds  in  the  Huachuca  Mts.  up  to  6,000  feet  or  more.  Nest  often  high  in  trees,  saddled  on 
a  limb,  composed  chiefly  of  vegetable  down,  lichened  outside  with  cobweb;  with  a  cavity,  top 
1.75  X  0.75 ;  eggs  0.63  X  0.40,  June,  July.  See  Osprey,  Jan.  1899,  p.  65,  plate. 
CCEIjIG'ENA.  (Lat.  cceligena  or  cceligena,  heaveu-born  ;  codmn  or  caelum,  the  sky,  heaven  ; 
gignere,  to  beget,  bear;  iu  passive,  to  be  born.)  Heavenly  Hummers.  Cazique.s.  Of 
greatest  size;  our  species  over  5.00.  Bill  longer  than  head,  straight ;  wings  long  and  ample; 
tail  large,  rounded,  with  broad  feathers;  tarsi  feathered.  Sexes  nearly  alike  ;  $  9  with  wliite 
stripe  on  head  and  lateral  tail-feathers  white-tipped. 

C.   clemen'ciae.     (To  .)      Blue-throated    Hummingbird.      Topiltzin.     Adult  J  : 

Above  bronzed  green,  purer  green  on  neck,  more  bronzy  on  rump ;  crown  dark ;  a  long  sharp 
wiiite  postocular  stripe  ;  gorget  metallic  azure-blue;  quills  and  tail-feathers  purplish-black, 
the  outermost  pair  of  the  latter  broadly  tipped  with  white.  B(>low.  dull  gray ;  flanks  glossed 
with  green,  under  tail-coverts  edged  with  white.  Bill  black.  9  similar,  lacking  gor- 
get; throat  gray.  Very  large  :  $  5.40;  e.xteut  7.50  ;  wing  3.10;  tail  2.00;  bill  about  1.00. 
This  magnificent  species  had  long  been  known  as  an  inhabitant  of  the  table  lands  of  Mexico, 
when  it  was  discovered  over  our  borders  in  the  Sta.  Catalina  Mts.,  Ariz.,  by  F.  Stephens, 
May  14,  1884 :  see  Brewst.  Auk,  Jan.  1885,  p.  85 ;  Coues,  Key,  3d  ed.  1887,  p.  879. 
TRO'CHILUS.  (Gr.  rpdxtXos,  trocJiilos,  Lat.  trochilns,  a  runner:  a  plover  so  named  by 
Herodotus  :  by  Linnaeus  transferred  to  Hummingbirds.)  Gorget  Hummers.  Bill  slender 
and  subulate,  not  widened  at  base ;  frontal  feathers  covering 
iiiisal  scale.  Tail  in  ^  forked  or  emargiuate,  with  lanceo- 
late feathers;  in  9  simply  rounded  or 
double-rounded,  with  broader  feathers. 
Outer  4  primaries  not  peculiar ;  hut 
1st  one  strongly  curved  or  bowed  at 
end  inward  ;  inner  6  abruptly  smaller 

and  more  linear  (in  ^  at  least).    Tarsi 
Fio.      3.")9.  —  Ruby-  .      ,        ,,.,,  ,  ,      ,  ,  ,,. 

throited    Hun.mingbird,      ''^I'^t'd.       IJlH  bhick.      A  metallic  gorget 

9  tiiii,  nat.  size.   (From     in   ^,   not   ])r(donged   into  a  ruff;   no 
Elliot.)  ,  ^11- 

scales  on  crown.      9    l;u'king  gorget, 

and  tail  white-tipped. 

T.  co'lubris.  (Latinized  fmm  the  1)arbarous  colihri.  V\\x^. 
355,359,360.)  Kubv-tiiroatkd  HrM.MiNfunuD.  Scrap- 
per. (J:  Tail  forked,  its  feathers  all  narrow  ami  ))ointed  ; 
no  scales  on  crown  ;  metallic  gorget  reHecting  ruby-rnl. 
Above,  golden-green;  below,  grayish,  sides  green;  wings  and  tail  (except  middle  feathers) 
dusky-purplish.  9:  Tlimat  white,  sometimes  specked  with  ilusky  ;  tail  double-rouuded,  cen- 
tral fcatliers  shorter  than  next,  lateral  then  graduated  ;   all  broader  than  in  ^  to  near  end,  then 


Fio.  360.  —  Ruby-throat«d  HiimminK- 
bird,  (f ,  nat.  size.     ^Kroiu  Elliot.) 


548 


SYSTEMATIC  SYNOPSIS.  —PICARLE—  TROCHILI. 


Fig.  361.  —  Alexander  Hum 
mingbird,  tail  of  young  (f  and  $ 
nat.  size.     (From  Elliot.) 


rapidly  narrowing  with  concave  inner  margin  ;  tail  with  black  bars,  and  lateral  feathers  white- 
tipped ;  no  rufous  on  tail  in  either  sex.  Length  of  ^  3.25;  extent  5.00;  wing  1.75;  tail  1.25  j 
bill  0.66.  Young  $  begins  by  winter  to  show  the  red.  Eastern  N.  Am.,  especially  U.  S.,  abun- 
dant in  summer,  generally  seen  hovering  about  flowers,  sometimes  in  flocks,  extends  N.  to  the 
Fur  Countries,  W.  to  the  Great  Plains,  and  in  winter  S.  to  Cuba,  Mexico,  and  Veragua ;  breeds 
from  Florida  to  Labrador.  Feeds  on  insects  and  sweets  of  Howers.  Nest  a  beautiful  struc- 
ture, of  downy  substances,  stuccoed  with  lichens  outside ;  eggs  2,  white,  0.50  X  0.33. 
T.  alexan'dri.  (To  Dr.  Alexandre,  of  Mexico,  its  discoverer.  Figs.  356,  361.)  Alexan- 
der Hummingbird.    Black-chinned  Hummingbird.    Sponge  Hummer.    Size  and  general 

appearance  of  T.  coluhris.  $  :  Tail  double-rounded ;  central 
emargiuation  about  0.10,  lateral  graduation  more ;  the  feathers 
all  acuminate,  and  whole-colored.  Ujiper  parts,  including  two 
middle  tail-featliers,  as  in  T.  coluhris.  Gorget  opaque  velvety- 
black,  only  posteriorly  glittering  with  violet,  sapphire,  and  em- 
erald. Other  under  parts  whitish,  green  on  sides.  Length  3.25 ; 
wing  l.^S  ;  tail  1.25  :  bill  from  frontal  feathers  0.75.  ?  :  Tail 
different  from  that  of  ^,  both  in  shape  aud  color;  simply 
slightly  rounded  (without  appreciable  central  emargiuation)  ; 
lateral  feathers  scarcely  acuminate;  middle  feathers  like  back,  darkening  at  ends;  others  with 
broad  purplish-black  space  near  end,  and  white-tipped  ;  thus  so  closely  resembling  coluhris  9 
that  lack  of  decided  emargiuation  of  tail  is  the  principal  character.  No  gorget,  the  throat 
often  with  dusky  specks.  Eggs  0.50  X  0.32,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  common  Ruby- 
throat.  Pacific  coast  region  from  Lower  California  to  British  Columbia,  aud  E.  to  Rocky  Mts. 
and  Texas ;    winters  in  Mexico. 

T.  violijugula'ris.  (Lat.  viola,  a  flower,  the  violet,  as  if  diminutive  of  a  digammated  form  of 
Gr.  'iov,  ion,  used  for  violaceus,  Gr.  lotLbrjs,  ioeides,  of  a  violet-blue  color,  and  Lat.  jugularis, 
of  the  jugulum  or  throat.)  Violet-throated  Hummingbird.  Adult  $  :  Above,  metallic 
golden-green ;  sides  dull-green ;  flanks  less  green,  the  feathers  tipped  with  brown  ;  gorgelet 
violet  glancing  to  steel-blue  ;  wings  dusky-purplish  with  a  buff  line  along  edge  of  manus,  the 
coverts  dull-green ;  primaries  broad  to  the  tip,  that  of  the  first  recurved ;  tail  slightly  forked ; 
its  feathers  broad  except  the  last  pair,  which  are  narrowly  linear ;  shafts  of  the  outer  pair 
abruptly  angulated;  middle  feathers  and  base  of  seccmd  pair  metallic  green ;  rest  dusky-purplish  ; 
under  tail-coverts  white  with  green  spots.     Length  3.60;  wing  1.80;  tail  1.20;  bill  0.75.     A 

very    dubious     species, 

known    only    from    the 

type     specimen,    taken 

Apr.  5,  1883,  at  Santa 

Barbara,  S.  Cala.     (See 

Bull.  Coop.  Club,  Sept. 

15,  1899,  p.  99.)     Tro- 

chilus  violajugulum    \^sic^   Jeffries,  Auk,  April,   1888, 

p.  168;  A.  0.  U.  Committee's  Suppl.  List,  1889,  p.  10; 

A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  429.  1.     T.  violijugularis 

COUES,  Key,  4th  ed.  1890,  p.  903. 

CALYP'TE.     (Gr.  KaXvurfi,  Kalupte,  a  proper  name.) 

Helmet    Hummers.      Crown  of  ^   with    metallic   scales 

like  the  gorget,  which  is  prolonged  into  a  ruff;  outer  pri- 
mary not  attenuate ;  tail  of  ^  forked,  the  outer  feather  abruptly  narrow  and  linear,  of  9 
slightly  double-rounded.  No  peculiarity  of  primaries.  Bill  ordinary,  as  in  Selasphorus  or 
Trochilus  ;  black.  No  rufous  color  anywhere.  Tail  of  ^  unvaried  ;  of  9  white-tipped.  (Our 
only  genus  with  bill  ordinary  and  scales  on  crown  of  ^.) 


Fig. 
nat.  size. 


3G3.  —  Anna  Hummingbird, 
(From  Elliot.) 


Fig.  362.  —  Anna  Hummingbird,  d",  9 , 
nat.  size.     (From  Elliot.) 


TROCHILIDJE:   HUMMINGBIRDS.  549 

C  an'nae.  (To  Anna,  Duchess  of  Rivoli.  Figs.  362.  3fi3.)  Anna  Hummingbird.  (^:  Top 
of  head  with  metallic  scales  like  those  of  throat,  the  latter  prolonged  into  a  ruff;  the  iridescence 
lilac-crimson,  covering  whole  head  and  throat,  except  a  separating  line  through  eye.  Tail 
deeply  forked  ;  middle  feathers  very  broad  and  rounded,  the  lateral  all  successively  more  nar- 
rowed and  linear,  especially  the  outermost,  but  all  M'ith  obtuse  ends.  Outer  primary  narrower 
than  the  next,  but  of  no  special  peculiarity.  Back  and  middle  tail-feathers  golden-green ; 
other  tail-feathers,  like  the  wing-quills,  purplish-dusky,  without  any  rufous  or  white ;  under 
parts  whitish,  nearly  everywhere  glossed  over  with  green.  Length  about  3..50  ;  wing  1.90; 
tail  1..3.5;  bill  0.75.  9  like  J  excepting  on  head  and  tail.  No  metallic  scales  on  head;  crown 
like  back,  golden-green  ;  throat  whitish,  with  dusky,  often  metallic  red,  specks.  Tail  rounded, 
slightest  central  emargination,  all  but  middle  feathers  (which  are  like  back)  green  (or  gray)  at 
base,  then  black  for  a  space,  then  white-tipped  (no  rufous).  Under  parts  gray,  with  much 
green  gloss.  California,  common,  resident;  L.  Cala ;  S.  Arizona;  Guadalupe  Isl. 
C.  cos'tae.  (To  The  Marquis  de  Costa,  of  Chainbery,  France.  Fig.  304.)  Costa  Hum- 
mingbird. (J  :  Metallic  scales  on  top  and  sides  of  head  as  well  as  throat,  latter  prolonged 
into  a  Haring  ruff;  iridescence  violet,  sapphire,  steel-blue  or  purplish,  not  red.  Tail  lightly 
forked ;  middle  feathers  broad  and  obtuse,  lateral  narrowing  successively,  but  outermost 
abruptly  narrowest,  falcate  —  very  noticeable.  Outer  primary  simple.  Back  and  middle  tail- 
featliers  golden-green ;  other  tail-featlicrs  like  wing-quills,  pur- 
plish-dusky. Below  whitish,  the  belly  gray,  glossed  with  golden- 
green.  Small:  length  3.00-3.25:  wing  1.75-1.80;  tail  1.00;  bill 
0.67.  9  •  No  scales  on  head.  Tail  simply  rounded,  or  with  least 
possible  central  emargination  ;  lateral  tail-feathers  narrowing,  but 
outermost  not  noticeably  different  from  the  next.  Crown  like  back ; 
throat  like  belly,  with  dark  specks.    Middle  tail-feathers  like  back,  yiq.  .■?G4.  — Costa  Humming- 

others  green  or  gray,  then  black,  then  white-tipped.  Entire  under  bird,  cf,  9,  nat.  size.  (Elliot.) 
parts  whitish.  Compared  with  anna,  our  only  other  species  with  scales  on  crown  in  ^,  costce 
is  smaller;  throat  ruff  much  more  flaring;  glitter  entirely  different  (not  red  at  all);  tail  less 
forked,  with  ahiiost  acicular  falcate  outermost  feather;  under  parts  less  glossed  with  green. 
9  costce  lacks  green  gloss  on  under  parts,  which  are  more  white,  has  much  narrower  tail- 
feathers,  and  is  smaller,  in  comparison  with  9  anna.  9  costce  more  closely  resemlilos  9  '•*^'<''- 
luln  calliope,  but  the  latter  has  traces  at  least  of  rufous  on  tail  and  under  parts.  Also  resembles 
9  Trochiliis,  but  has  cdl  the  lateral  tail-feathers  white-tipped.  Arizona,  Nevada,  and  southern 
California,  Utah,  and  New  Mexico,  and  southward  in  migrations  in  L.  Cala.  and  W.  Mexico. 
SELAS'PHORUS.  (Gr.  ae\as,  selas,  light;  (f)op6s,  pharos,  bearing.)  Lightning  Hum- 
MF.KS.  Bill  slender  and  subulate;  frontal  feathers  covei'ing  nasal  scale.  Tail  in  ^  9  graduated 
or  rounded,  not  forked,  and  extensively*  rufous  or  tij)ped  with  white  ;  central  much  broader 
than  lateral  feathers.  Details  of  shapes  of  feathers  varying  with  species  and  sexes  (see  de- 
scriptions, and  figs.  365,  JJ66).  Outer  primary,  or  2  outer  ones,  of  ^  abruptly  attenuate,  the 
en<l  bowed  ;  inner  6  primaries  not  abruptly  narrower  than  those  farther  outward.  Tarsi  naked. 
Bill  black.  A  metallic  gorget  in  ^,  little  or  not  produced  into  a  ruff;  no  scales  on  crown  (ex- 
cept ill  floresii  —  if  this  species  belongs  here).  9  lacking  gorget,  and  tail  white-tip|ted.  Eggs 
of  our  species  indistinguishable,  nearly  or  quite  O..")0  X  0.;W. 

S.  flore'sii.  (To  Signor  Floresi,  of  Mexico.)  Floresi'.s  IIum.miNGBIRD.  Adult  ^  :  Crown 
glittering  red  with  metallic  scales,  like  the  gorget,  as  in  the  genus  Calypte  (to  which  the  bird 
may  belong  —  in  part  at  least):  tlius  distinguished  from  any  other  species  of  Selasphonis. 
Miiidle  ])air  of  tail-feathers  green  and  rufous;  outermost  pair  dusky;  belly  white  ;  sides  and 
flanks  green.  Length  .3.25 ;  wing  1.75;  tail  1.40;  culnien  0.65.  9  unknown.  The  alleged 
species  is  not  well  established,  eitlirr  grnerically  or  specifically;  and  its  occurrence  in  liie  U.  S. 
is  accidental.     It  was  originally  described  from  Bolafios,  Mexico,  by  Goui.d,  Mou.  Troch.   iii, 


550 


S YS TEMA  TIC  S YNOPSIS.  —PICAUIyE—TRO CHILI. 


pt.  xxiii,  Sept.  1861,  pi.  139.  A  specimea  was  taken  at  San  Francisco,  Cal.,  in  May,  1885; 
see  W.  E.  Bryant,  Forest  and  Stream,  xxvi.  No.  22,  1886,  p.  426 ;  Coues,  Key,  4th 
ed.  1890,  p.  903;  A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  [431.  1.].  The  bird  was  needlessly  renamed 
Trochilus  rubromitratus  and  Selasphorus  mhromitratus ;  see  Ridgw.  Auk,  Jan.  1891,  p.  114. 
S.  ru'fus.  (Lat.  rufus,  reddish.)  Red-backed  Rufous  Hummingbird.  Nootka  Hum- 
mingbird. $  :  No  metallic  scales  on  crown.  Gorget  glancing  coppery-red,  somewhat  pro- 
longed into  a  ruff.  Tail  cuneate  ;  middle  pair  of  feathers  broad,  narrowing  rather  suddenly  to 
a  point.  Next  pair  broad,  nicked  or  emarginate  near  end  (fig.  365).  Next  three  pairs  succes- 
sively narrowing  gradually,  but  not  even  the  outer  becoming  acicular.  Two  outer  primaries 
narrow,  falcate,  gradually  very  acute,  the  ends  bowed  inward.  General 
color  above  and  below  cinnamon-red,  becoming  more  or  less  green  on 
crown,  sometimes  flaked  with  green  on  back,  fading  to  white  on  belly. 
Tail-feathers  cinnamon-red,  deepening  to  dusky-purplish  at  ends.  Quills 
dusky-purplish.  Length  about  3.50  ;  wing  1.50-1.67,  averaging  1.60; 
tail  ].30;  bill  0.65.  9  showing  same  characters  of  tail  and  wing,  but 
less  plainly.  Coloration  extensively  rufous,  but  overlaid  with  green  ;  no 
gorget,  replaced  usually  by  a  few  metallic  feathers ;  under  parts  exten- 
sively white,  but  shaded  with  cinnamon  on  sides  and  crissum.  Middle 
tail-feathers  glossed  with  greenish,  darkening  to  black  at  end,  and  usu- 
ally touched  with  cinnamon  at  base ;  other  tail-feathers  extensively 
rufous,  then  black,  finally  white-tipped.  Length  3.50;  wing  1.70;  tail  1.20.  On  comparing 
9  rufus  with  9  platycercus,  a  great  difi'erence  in  size  of  outer  tail-feather  is  observable ;  in 
rufus  it  is  only  0.12  broad,  and  under  1.00  long  ;  in  platycercus  it  is  0.25  wide,  and  over  1.00 
long.  Rocky  Mts.  to  the  Pacific,  N.  to  Mt.  St.  Elias,  Alaska ;  E.  to  portions  of  Texas,  Mon- 
tana, etc.;  S.  in  winter  on  the  table  lands  of  Mexico;  the  commonest  and  most  extensively 
distributed  species  in  the  West;  noted  as  the  northernmost  species  of  the  family.  (This  is 
T.  rufus  Gm.,  the  true  "  Nootka  Sound  Hummingbird  ;"  <J  easily  known  by  its  cinnamon- 
red  back,  and  nick  in  next  to  middle  tail-feather.  S.  henshawi  Elliot.) 
S.  al'leni.     (To  C.  A.  Allen,  of  California.     Figs.    366,   367.)     Green-backed   Rufous 


Fig.  3G5.  —  Tail  of  .S". 
rii/tis,  nat.  size. 


Hummingbird. 


cJ:    Two 


Allen  Hummingbird.  In  generalities  similar  to  the  last 
outer  tail-feathers  on  each  side  very  small 
and  narrow,  the  outermost  almost  acicu- 
lar ;  next  little  larger ;  3d  abruptly 
larger ;  4th  from  the  outer  smaller  than 
3d  or  middle  pair.  Upper  parts  golden - 
green,  dullest  on  crown.  Under  tail- 
coverts,  belly,  and  sides  cinnamon,  paler 
on  median  line,  white  on  breast  next  to 
the  gorget.  Tail-feathers  cinnamon, 
tipped  and  edged  with  dusky-purplish. 
Length  about  3.25  ;  wing  1.50  ;  tail  1.18; 
bill  0.64.  9  similar  to  9  rtifus  ;  averaging  smaller ;  tail- 
feathers  narrower,  especially  the  outer  ones.  Coast  region 
of  California  and  northward  to  British  Columbia;  E.  into 
Arizona.  (This  is  the  bird  often  described  as  9  rufus  ;  care- 
fully distinguished  by  Henshaw,  Bull.  Nutt.  Club,  ii,  1877, 
p.  53;  considered  by  Elliot  to  be  true  rufus  Gm.) 
S.  platycer'cus.  (Gr.  nXarvs,  platus,  broad ;  KtpKos,  Jcerkos,  tail.  Fig.  368.)  Broad- 
TAiLED  Hummingbird.  ^  :  No  scales  on  top  of  head  ;  crown  like  back.  A  gorget  of  scales^ 
not  prolonged  into  a  ruft".     Outer  primary  attenuate,  acuminate,   ending  acicular,  the  point 


Fig   3G6.  —  Tail  of 
S.  alleni,  nat.  size. 

Gorget  fiery-red. 


Fio.  367.  —  Green-backed 
Hummingbird,  (f,  nat.  size. 
ElUot.) 


Rufous 
(From 


TROCHILIDJE :   HUMMINGBIRDS. 


551 


turned  outward ;  next  primary  also  narrowed,  not  so  mucli  as  the  Jst,  its  end  obliquely  incised 
with  a  slight  nick.  Tail  ample  ;  middle  feathers  scarcely  or  not  shorter  than  the  next,  but  the 
rest  rapidly  graduated  ;  middle  and  several  lateral  ones  broad,  briefly  acuminate,  the  outermost 
narrowed  linearly  with  rounded  end.  Above,  including  crown,  golden-green  ;  two  middle  tail- 
feathers  purer  shining  grass-green  ;  lateral  tail-feathers  purplish-dusky,  some  of  them  with 
narrow  longitudinal  chestnut  edging  only  on  one  or  the  other  web  (a  strong  character  of  the 
species  :  compare  extensively  rufous  tail-feathers  of  the  two  foregoing  species).  Gorget  glanc- 
ing lilac-red :  other  under  parts  whitish,  glossed  with  golden-green  on  sides  and  sometimes 
elsewhere.  Quills  purplish-dusky.  Length  nearly  or  quite  4.00;  extent  4.75-5.00;  wing 
nearly  or  quite  2.00;  tail  1.35;  bill 
0.70.  9-  Outer  primary  narrow  and 
falcate,  but  without  special  attenuation 
at  end.  Outermost  tail-feather  nar- 
rower than  the  rest,  as  in  J* ,  but  others 
rounded  at  ends,  not  acuminate.  Lat- 
eral tail-feathers  chestnut  at  base  quite 
across,  then  black  for  a  space,  then 
white-tipped.  Above,  like  ^  ;  below, 
no  gorget ;  throat  wliite  with  dark 
specks ;  no  green  on  sides,  which  are 
more  or  less  rufous,  as  in  S.  riifus  9 . 

from  which    some   care   must   be   taken  F.o.  3G8.  -  Broad-tailed  Hummingbird,  cf,  $.nat.  size.     (From 

in    discrimiiuition.     It   is   usually  less     Elliot.) 

rufous  below;  middle  tail-feathers  entirely  green,  these  having  dark  ends  in  ^  rufus;  rufous 
on  lateral  tail-feathers  confined  to  their  bases  and  of  less  extent  than  the  black,  while  in  9 
rufus  the  rufous  equals  or  exceeds  the  black  area ;  next  to  middle  tail-feather  in  9  platycercus 
green,  with  only  rufous  edging  of  outer  web  near  base,  short  black  end,  and  white  tip;  in  9 
nifus  the  same  feather  is  rufous  on  both  webs  to  an  extent  equal  to  the  green,  black,  and  white 
spaces  all  together.  Though  such  details  are  not  absolutely  constant,  they  suflBce  to  distinguish 
all  the  many  specimens  I  have  examined.  Rocky  Mt.  region,  U.  S.  and  southward ;  X.  to 
Wyoming,  Idaho,  Utah,  Nevada;  Sierras  Nevadas  of  California;  S.  in  winter  to  Guatemala. 
AT'THIS.  (Or.  'AtBIs,  Atthis,  Attic;  also  a  proper  name.)  Attic  Hummers.  Crown  of 
(^  not  metallic  like  gorget,  which  is  prolonged  into  a  ruff;  outer  primary  of  ^  attenuate;  tail 
graduated,  the  feathers  rounded  at  end,  the  lateral  ones  black-barred  and  white-tipped  in  both 
sexes  (peculiar  in  this  respect  among  North  American  genera).  Bill  only  about  as  long  as  head. 
Size  very  diminutive. 

Note.  —A.  heloixft,  the  Heloise  Hummingbird  of  the  Key,  2d-tth  eds.,  1SS4-00,  p.  405,  and  of  A.  O.  U.  List,  Ist  ed. 
188C,  No.  435,  proves  to  have  been  admitted  upon  an  erroneous  identification  of  a  young  specimen  of  Stelbiln  calliope  from 
El  Paso,  Texas:  see  Ridow.  Auk,  Jan.  1891,  p.  115;  A.  O.  U.  Comm.,  Auk.  Jan.  ISiKi,  p.  111.  Its  place  is  taken  by  the 
following  species  : 


A.    inor'eoiiii.      (To    G. 


Frean    Morcom    of   Los  Angeles,   Cal.) 

_^ I5IRD 


Fio.  3C0.  —  Heloise  Hummingbird,  tf,  ?.  nat.  size.     (From  Elliot.) 


MoRCOM'.s     Hl'MMINO- 

Adult  ^  :  Outer  pri- 
mary attenuate  at  end,  with 
a  needle-liko  point,  as  in  iS". 
plittf/cercKs,  but  not  bowed  out- 
ward. Tail  graduated,  tlie  cen- 
tral feathers,  however,  slightly 
shorter  than  the  next,  all  round- 
ended,  none  notably  narrowed. 
No  scales  on  crown ;  those  of 


552 


S  YS  TEMA  TIC  S  Y NOP  SIS.  —  PICA  RI^E  —TRO  CHILL 


throat  produced  into  a  ruff.  Bill  diminutive.  Plumage  unknown.  Adult  9  '■  No  peculiarity  of 
outer  priinary.  Above,  including  crown  and  middle  tail-feather?,  bright  bronzy-green,  inclin- 
ing to  grayish-brown  on  crown,  and  middle  tail-feathers  tinged  with  rufous  on  basal  half,  and 
outer  web  edged  with  same  nearly  to  tip ;  other  tail-feathers  cinnamon-rufous  on  basal  half, 
then  with  a  narrow  green  metallic  bar,  then  black  for  0.20,  then  tipped  with  white.  Below 
white,  becoming  cinnamon-rufous  on  sides  and  flanks,  with  a  tinge  of  same  on  under  tail- 
coverts  ;  throat  marked  with  spots  and  streaks  of  bronzy-green  (gorget  of  ^  doubtless  glanc- 
ing violet,  sapphire,  and  lilac,  as  in  heloisce).  Primaries  plain  purplish-dusky,  as  usual. 
Length  2.95-3.00 ;  wing  1.40 ;  tail  0.75 ;  bill  0.50.  Huachuca  Mts.,  S.  Arizona,  July  2,  1896 ; 
type  153,886,  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.  Ridgw.  Auk,  Oct.  1898,  p.  325 ;  A.  0.  U.  Suppl.  List,  Auk, 
Jan.  1899,  p.  Ill,  No.  435  (vacated  by  A.  heloisce). 

STEL'LULA.  (Lat.  stellula,  dim.  of  Stella,  a  star.)  Starry  Hummers.  No  scales  on 
crown;  those  of  throat  confined  to  tips  of  the  lengthened  feathers,  thus  not  forming  a  continu- 
ous metallic  surface,  but  set  like  stars  in  a  fleecy,  snowy  bed.  Tail  of  ^  slightly  double-rounded, 
the  lateral  feathers  graduated,  the  central  also  shorter  than  the  next ;  middle  feathers  wnlike 
back  in  color ;  all  broad,  and  rather  widening  to  near  the  suddenly  contracted  ends ;  outer 
feather  slightly  incurved,  the  others  ending  about  as  acutely  as  a  silver  teaspoon.  Outer  pri- 
mary simple.  Bill  longer  than  head,  ordinary,  but  not  entirely  black.  9  like  $  in  form  of 
tail  and  wings.     Size  very  diminutive. 

S  calli'ope.  (Gr.  KaXXtoVj?,  Kalliope,  Lat.  Calliope,  one  of  the  Muses.  Fig.  370.)  Cal- 
I-IOPE  Hummingbird.      ^  :    Crown  and  back  golden-green.       All  tail-feathers  dusky,  with 

rufous  at  base  and  slightly  pale  tips. 
Gorget  violet  or  lilac,  set  in  snowy- 
white;  sides  of  throat,  and  crissum, 
white.  Below,  white,  glossed  with 
green  on  sides.  Bill  yellowish  below. 
Length  2.75;  wing  1.60;  tail  1.00; 
bill  0.60.  9 :  Form  of  ^ ;  color  of 
upper  parts  the  same.  No  gorget ; 
Fig.  370.  —  Stellula  calliope,  cf ,  nat.  size.     (From  Elliot.)  throat  whitish  with  dark  specks  ;   Other 

under  parts  quite  strongly  tinged  with  rufous.  A  white  mark  under  eye ;  bill  light  at  base 
below.  Middle  tail-feathers  green,  not  so  golden  as  the  back,  ending  with  dusky ;  others 
green  (or  gray)  for  a  distance  decreasing  on  successive  feathers,  crossed  with  black,  tipped 
with  white  to  reciprocally  increasing  extent,  and  touched  with  rufous  at  base,  as  in  several 
allied  species ;  but  the  small  size,  slight  rufous  on  tail,  and  extensive  rufous  on  under  parts, 
are  characteristic.  Eggs  0.47  X  0.30.  Mts.  of  whole  Pacific  slope,  U.  S.  and  British  Colum- 
bia ;  E.  to  Montana,  Colorado,  and  New  Mexico ;  S.  into  Mexico. 

CALOTHO'RAX.  (Gr.  kuXos,  kalos,  beautiful;  daipa^,  thorax,  chest.)  Lucifer  Hum- 
mers. Very  different  from  any  of  the  foregoing.  Bill  curved  throughout,  longer  than  head  ; 
but  nasal  scale  covered  as  usual  by  feathers,  and  bill  black.  Tail  deeply  forked ;  lateral  tail- 
feather  shorter  than  next,  and  in  our  species  filiform  and  acicular.  Tarsi  partly  plumose. 
Sexes  unlike. 

C.  lu'cifer.  (Lat.  Xwci/er,  the  light-bearer ;  ?Ma;,  light, /ero,  I  bear.  Fig.  371.)  Lucifer 
Hummingbird.  Cohuatl.  ^  :  Above,  bronzy-green  ;  gorget  lilac-purple ;  three  outer  tail- 
feathers  purplish -dusky.  Below,  white,  bronzed  with  green  on  flanks.  Bill  black.  Length 
3.50;  wing  1.50;  tail  1.35;  bill  0.75.  9:  Above,  like  ^,  but  browner  on  head;  no  gorget; 
under  parts  rufous ;  belly  white.  Middle  tail-feathers  bronzy-green ;  next  green  tipped  with 
black ;  rest  rufous  basally,  then  crossed  with  black  and  tipped  with  white.  Tail  not  so  deeply 
forked  as  in  ^.  The  9  ™ay  he  known  by  the  curved  bill.  Mexico  to  southern  Arizona  and 
western  Texas;  introduced  into  our  Fauna  upon  a  9  wrongly  identified  as  "Doricha  enicura." 
(See  Bull.  Nutt.  Club,  ii,  1877,  p.  108.) 


TROCHILIDuE :   HUMMINGBIRDS.  553 

AMIZI'LIS.  (Latiuized  from  amazili,  vox  barb.)  Amazili  Hummers.  Belonging  to  a 
group  which  includes  Basilinna  and  lache;  very  unlike  any  of  the  others.  Nasal  scale  large 
and  tumid  ;  nasal  slit  entirely  exposed  ;  feathers  extending 
iu  a  point  on  sides  of  culmen,  sweeping  obliquely  across 
basal  part  of  nasal  scale,  and  forming  at  angle  of  mouth  a 
deep  re-entrance  with  those  of  chin,  which  reach  much  far- 
ther forward  on  interramal  space.  Bill  light-colored,  dark- 
tipped,  quite  broad  and  flattened  at  base,  thence  gradually 
tapering  to  the  acuminate  tip,  slightly  bent  downward,  the 
curve  most  noticeable  just  back  of  the  middle.  Tarsi 
appearing  feathered  nearly  to  toes,  but  really  naked  except 
at  the  top  in  front.  No  lengthened  ruffs  or  tufts  about 
head  ;  no  metallic  scales  on  top  of  head,  different  from  those  pj^  371.  —  Lucifer  Hummingbird.  ^, 

of  upper  parts  at  large;  no  special  head- markings.  Tail  nat.  size.  (FromEUiot.) 
ample,  forked  or  emarginate,  the  feathers  all  broad  and  obtuse,  with  simply  rounded  ends. 
No  peculiar  primaries,  though  the  outer  ones  are  narrower  and  more  falcate  than  the  next. 
Of  large  size,  usually  4.U()-5.()0.  Sexes  alike  in  form  and  color.  An  extensive  genus,  cover- 
ing some  25  species,  two  of  which  are  known  to  reach  our  border:  foregoing  characters  more 
particularly  applicable  to  these.  {Amazilia  of  former  eds.  of  the  Key.) 
A.  tzacat'l.  (Apparently  Aztec,  ^acatl,  grass,  herbage  ;  given  as  the  proper  name  of  a  certain 
Toltcc  chief.)  Rieffer's  Hummingbird.  Dusky-tailed  Hummingbird.  Tzacatl.  Adult 
(J  9 :  Above,  metallic  grass-green,  or  golden-green,  more  brassy  on  crown  and  rump;  hnig 
upper  tail-coverts  cinnamon-rufous.  Wings  purplish-dusky,  their  coverts  like  back.  Tail 
deep  chestnut,  the  feathers  edged  and  ended  with  bronzy-purplish.  Throat,  breast,  and  sides 
metallic  green,  glittering  emerald  in  certain  lights  on  the  former,  on  the  latter  duller  and  more 
bronzy  ;  feathers  gray  beneath  the  metallic  tips,  and  this  color  prevailing  on  abdomen  ;  crissum 
rufous  ;  fiank-tufts  fleecy  white.  Bill  extensively  light-colored,  dusky  at  end.  Length  about 
4.U0;  wing  2.25;  tail  1.60;  bill  0.80.  Differs  from  the  next  iu  not  having  the  under  ])arts  ex- 
tensively fawn-colored.  Lower  Rio  Grande  of  Texas,  to  S.  Am.  A.  fiiscocaudata  of  2d-4th 
eds.  of  Key,  1884-90,  p.  4GG;  A.  fuscicaudata  of  A.  O.U.  Lists,  188()-1)5,  No.  438;  but  Tro- 
chiliis  fuscicaudata  Fraser,  P.  Z.  S.  1840,  p.  17,  is  antedated  by  T.  tzacatl  De  La  Llave, 
Registro  Trimestre,  ii.  No.  5,  for  Jan.  18:33,  pub.  not  before  Mar.  p.  48 :  see  Riciim.  Auk,  Oct. 
18n!>,  p.  323. 

A.  cerviniveii'tris  chalcono'ta.  (Lat.  cerrinus,  like  a  deer,  cerriis ;  iu  this  case  meaning 
fawu-colored  ;  ventris,  of  the  belly ;  Gr.  xoXkoj,  chalkos,  brazen  ;  varos,  notos,  back.)  RuFOUS- 
BELLIED  Hummingbird.  Adult  ^  9  :  Upper  parts  shining  goldea-green,  nearly  uniform  from 
head  to  tail,  but  top  of  head  rather  darker,  and  with  reddish  gloss  in  some  lights,  and  upper 
tail-coverts  somewliat  shaded  witli  reddish.  Metallic  gorget  of  great  extent,  reaching  fairly 
on  breast,  glittering  green  when  viewed  with  bill  pointing  toward  observer,  dusky-green  when 
seen  in  opposite  direction.  Less  scintillating  and  more  golden-green  feathers  extend  a  little 
farther  on  breast  and  sides,  and  most  of  the  under  wing-coverts  are  similar.  Belly  and  under 
tail-coverts  very  dull  rufous  or  pale  cinnamon  ;  flocculent  snowy-white  patches  on  flanks. 
Wings  blackish,  with  purple  and  violet  lustre.  Tail  large,  forked  about  O.-'W;  color  intense 
chestnut,  having  even  a  purplish  tinge  when  viewed  below ;  middle  feathers  glossed  with 
golden-green,  especially  noticeable  at  their  ends,  and  all  the  rest  tipped  and  edi^'ed  for  some 
distance  with  dusky.  Length  4.00  or  jnore;  extent  5.50;  wing  2.30;  tail  1.50;  bill  0.!»0. 
Lower  Rio  Grande  of  Texas  and  southward.  Only  differs  from  the  type  form  in  paler  belly 
and  crissum.  Oberh.  Auk,  Jan.  1898,  p.  32;  A.  O.  U.  Suppl.  List,  Auk,  Jan.  1899,  p.  I  12. 
No.  4.39.     {A))ia;ili(i  cerviniventris  of  former  eds.  of  Key  and  A.  O.  U.  Lists.) 


554 


SYSTEMA TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  PICARI^  —  TROCHILL 


Fig.  372.  —  Xantus  Hummingbird, 
nat.  size.     (Prom  Elliot. ) 


BASILIN'NA.  (Gr.  ^aaiXivva,  basilinna,  a  queen.)  Queen  Hummers.  Head  appearing 
more  globose  than  in  any  other  North  American  genus,  in  consequence  of  non-extension  of  feathers 
on  base  of  upper  mandible,  where  they  do  not  reach  opposite  those  on  chin,  leaving  the  turgid 
nasal  scale  entirely  exposed.  Bill  broad  at  base,  tapering  regularly  to  tip,  with  distinct  supra- 
nasal  grooves;  scarcely  longer  than  head,  straight.  Tarsi  feathered.  Tail  ample,  all  the 
feathers  broad  and  rounded ;  nearly  even,  in  ^  a  little  double-rounded  by  shortness  of  both 
lateral  and  central  pair  of  feathers,  in  $>  simply  a  little  rounded.     No  peculiarity  of  primaries. 

Sexes  nearly  alike  in  form  ;  9  lacking  green  gorget  of  ^  ;  bill 
iu  (?  9  partly  flesh-colored;  ^  9  "'ith  white  stripe  on  head; 
no  pure  white  on  tail. 

B.  xan'tusi.  (To  L.  J.  Xantus  de  Vesey.  Fig.  372.)  Xan- 
tus Hummingbird.  Adult  <?:  Above,  and  throat,  metallic 
grass-green  ;  below,  cinnamon-rufous ;  face  blue-black  ;  a  white 
stripe  behind  eye ;  wings  purplish-dusky  ;  tail  purplish-chest- 
nut, the  central  feathers  glossed  with  golden-green ;  bill  flesh- 
colored,  black-tipped.  9  •  Shining  green  above,  including 
central  tail-feathers ;  below,  and  face,  pale  rufous,  whitening 
about  vent,  and  sides  greenish  ;  head-stripe  rufous,  whitening 
on  auriculars ;  tail-feathers,  except  central  pair,  chestnut,  with  dark  terminal  spot.  Length 
3.5U;  extent  4.7.5;  wing  2.10;  tail  1.25;  bill  0.72.  Eggs  0.47  X  0.30.  Cape  St.  Lucas,  N. 
to  lat.  29°.  " 

B.  leuco'tis.  (Gr.  XtvKos,  lenkos,  white ;  ovi,  wt6s,  ohs,  otos.  ear.)  White-eared  Hum- 
ming XICOTENCAL.  Adult  (J  :  Above,  shining  grass-green,  more  golden  on  rump,  darker  on 
nape  and  occiput;  f*;e  and  chin  metallic  blue;  white  postocular  streak;  throat,  breast,  belly, 
and  crissuni  green,  posteriorly  mixed  with  whitish  ;  central  rectrices  like  back,  lateral  ones  steel- 
blue,  bronzed  at  tips ;  bill  flesh-colored,  black-tipped.  9  wi^'i  crown  and  nape  dark  brown, 
the  feathers  edged  with  rufous ;  black  spot  under  the  white  streak ;  below,  dusky  whitish  ; 
throat  bufl"  with  dusky  specks ;  flanks  with  green  spots ;  crissum  whitish  with  dusky  specks ; 
lateral  tail-feathers  tipped  with  grayish-white ;  bill  mostly  black.  Young  ^  like  9  •  Size  of 
the  foregoing.  Central  America  and  Mexico  to  S.  Arizona,  where  discovered  on  the  Chiricahua 
Mts.  at  an  altitude  of  about  10,000  feet,  by  Dr.  A.  K.  Fisher,  June  9,  1894;  Auk,  Oct.  1894, 
p.  .325;  A.  O.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  440.  1. 

I'ACHE.  (Gr. 'la;()j, /ffc/ie,  a  proper  name.  Fig.  373.)  Circe  Hummers,  'iii ear  Amizilis; 
with  broad  and  not  perfectly  straight  bill  longer  than  head,  reddish  at  base,  and  frontal  feath- 
ers partly  covering  nasal  scale;  supranasal  groove  very  dis- 
tinct. Tail  ample,  forked,  with  broad  obtuse  feathers ;  no 
wing-  or  tail-feathers  peculiar  in  shape.  Tarsi  feathered. 
Sexes, unlike  in  color. 

I.  latj^iros'tris.  (Lat.  latus,  broad  ;  rostrum,  beak.)  Circe 
Hummingbird.  ^ :  Above  and  below  glittering  green ; 
more  golden  above,  more  emerald  below ;  throat  sapphire- 
blue ;  tail  steel-blue-black,  the  feathers  tipped  with  gray; 
flanks  and  under  tail-coverts  white.  Bill  reddish,  tipped  with 
black.  Length  nearly  4.00;  wing  2.00-2.25;  tail  1.30,  forked 
0.35;  bill  0.80.  9  above  like  $,  but  middle  tail-feathers  nat. 
bronzy-green ;  others  bronzed  at  base,  then  broadly  bluish,  then  white-tipped.  Under  parts 
dark  gray.  Easily  recognized  among  our  species  by  the  special  coloration,  as  described,  and 
by  peculiarities  of  bill ;  in  all  our  genera  excepting  lache,  Amizilis,  and  Basilinna,  the  nasal 
scale  is  covered  by  extensive  frontal  feathers.     S.  Arizona,  S.  W.  New  Mexico,  and  Mexico. 


Fig.  373. — Circe  Hummingbird,  ^f, 
size.     (From  Elliot.) 


MICR  OPODIDjE  :   S  WIFTS. 


555 


Suborder  CYPSELI:   Swifts. 

See  p.  540  for  characters  of  this  compact  monotypic   group, 
which  consists  of  a  single  family,  unless  the  peculiarities  of  the 
genus  Macropteryx  (<jr  Dendrochelidon)  be  evaluated  at  the  rank 
of  another  family.     There  is  no  question  of  the  proper  position 
oi  Cypseli ;  fur,  notwithstanding  the  obvious  difference  between 
an  extremely  fissirostral  and  an  extremely  tenuirostral  type  of 
bill,  the  Swifts  are  such  very  near  relatives  of  the  Humming- 
birds, that  the  two  might  be  combined  in  one  suborder  Macro- 
chires.     The  skeletal  and  muscular  cliaracters  most  useful  in 
classification  are  quite  alike.     Thus,  there  is  a  similar  con- 
formation of  the  palate;  the  same  deep-keeled  sternum,  and 
the  same  relative  proportions  of  the  upper  arm,  fore-arm, 
and  manus;    but  tlie  Swifts  have  a  less  perfectly  pas- 
serine  foot  than   the    Hummingbirds,   sometimes  with 
a  different  ratio  of  the  phalanges,  or  reversed  position 
of  the  iuillux.     The  myological  formula  i-?  identic<il, 
in  the  absence  of  the  accessory  fcmorocaudal,  sem- 
itendinosus,   and  accessory  semitendinous,  as  u(ll 
as  of  the  ambiens;  and  there  is  the  same  pecuh- 
arity  of  the  tensor  patagii  brevis.    In  both  sub- 
orders there  are  no  cfcca,  though  the  oil-irland 
is  nude;    and  in   Cypseli  the  seven   secondauch 
are  but  one   more  than   the  minimum   numb(  i 
found  in  the  Hummers.     Other  features  of  th( 
Ci/pxeli  will  be  jxiinted  out  under  the  head  ot 
tlie  only  establislied  family,  commonly  called 
Cypseliche,  but  now  known  as  Micropodidcc 
Furthermore  it  need  only  be  remarked  hen 
close  supei-ficial  resemblance  between  Swifts 
simply  mimetic;    and  it  is  not  necessarj 
trust  also   not   required    by   the   reader 
"Key"  thus  far)  to  argue  the  differ- 
Oscine    Passerine   and    any   Picarian 


it  the  >tiikingly 
,ind  Sw.illows  is 
at  this  late  day  (I 
who  has  turned  the 
ences  between  an 
bird. 


Family  MICROPODID^ 

Swifts. 

{Cypselidce  of  former  edd. 
of  tlie  Key.) 

Fissirostral  macrochiroi<< 
angular  when  viewed  from 
eyes,  unnotched,  unbris- 
Nostrils  exposed,  superior, 
feathers  tending  to  reach 
loiii,',  tiiin,  and  jiointed  (frequently  as  lonir  as  the  whtde  bird);  primaries  acute  and  somewhat 
falcate;  secondaries  extremely  short  and  few.  'J'ail  of  10  rectrices,  variable  in  shape,  often 
mucronute.    Feet  small,  weak,  the  cnvehip  rather  skinny  than  scaly;  tarsi  naked  or  teathered; 


Fio.  374.  —  White-throated    Swift,   nat.   size. 
(E.  H.  Fitch.) 

I'icaricc:  Bill  very  small,  flattened,  tri- 
above,  with  great  gape  reaching  below 
tied,  about  six  times  as  long  as  ctilmen. 
nearer  ciilmcn  than  commissure;  frontal 
forward  under  them.     Wings  extremely 


556  SYSTEM  A  TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  PICA  RLE  —  CYPSELI. 

hiud  toe  frequently  elevated,  or  versatile,  or  permanently  turned  sidevrays  or  even  forward 
(pamprodactylous)  or  the  four  toes  tending  to  divaricate  in  right  and  left  pairs ;  lateral  toes 
nearly  or  quite  as  long  as  the  middle  ;  anterior  toes  deeply  cleft,  with  basal  phalanges  (in  the 
true  Swifts)  extremely  short,  penultimate  very  long,  the  number  of  phalanges  frequently  ab- 
normal (2,  3,  3,  3,  instead  of  2,  3,  4,  5 ;  see  p.  133,  fig.  40)  ;  claws  sharp,  curved,  never  pec- 
tinate. Plumage  compact,  usually  sombre  and  whole-colored,  or  only  relieved  with  white ; 
sexes  alike  and  young  little  difi'erent  (plumage  softer,  more  varied,  and  young  unlike  adults,  in 
the  genus  Macropteryx).  Sternum  deep-keeled,  widening  behind,  its  posterior  margin  nor- 
mally entire  (exceptionally  2-fenestrate,  in  Macropteryx)]  furculum  stout,  rather  U-  than 
V-shaped.  Volitorial  ability  very  great.  Nidification  various,  always  peculiar.  Eggs  several 
(except  in  the  Tree  Swifts),  narrowly  oval,  white.     Young  hatched  naked  and  helpless. 

"  One  of  the  most  remarkable  points  in  the  structure  of  the  Cypselidce  is  the  great  devel- 
opment of  the  salivary  glands.  In  all  the  species  of  which  the  nidification  is  known,  the 
secretion  thus  produced  is  used  more  or  less  in  the  construction  of  the  nest.  In  most  cases  it 
forms  a  glue  by  which  the  other  materials  are  joined  together,  and  the  whole  nest  is  affixed  to 
a  rock,  wall,  or  other  object  against  which  it  is  placed.  In  some  species  of  Collocalia,  how- 
ever, the  whole  nest  is  made  up  of  inspissated  saliva,  and  becomes  the  '  edible  bird's  nest '  so 
well  known  in  the  East."     (Sclater.) 

The  student  will  have  observed  that  the  characters  of  the  MicropodidcB  as  above  drawn 
require  several  exceptions  to  be  taken  in  the  case  of  the  genus  Macropteryx  (or  Dendrochelidon) , 
which  contains  five  or  six  species  of  East  Indian  Tree  Swifts,  difieriug  notably  from  other 
Swifts.  The  osteological  peculiarities  of  these  birds  are  decided  in  several  respects,  aftecting 
the  bones  of  the  skull,  sternum,  fore-arm,  tarsus,  and  toes  (see  Lucas,  Auk,  Jan.  1889, 
pp.  8-13).  The  plumage  is  peculiar,  approaching  that  of  Caprimulgine  birds;  the  egg  is 
stated  to  be  single,  and  the  nidification  to  resemble  that  of  the  Frog-mouths  (Batrachostomus). 
The  departure  of  the  Tree  Swifts  from  Micropodidce  proper  is  on  the  whole  in  the  direction 
of  the^  Caprimulgi.  If  we  exclude  this  remarkable  genus  as  the  type  of  a  separate  family 
Macropterygidce  or  Dendrochelidonidce,  the  remaining  Swifts  form  a  well  defined  family  of  8 
genera  and  about  75  species,  inhabiting  all  the  temperate  and  tropical  regions  of  the  globe. 
They  are  divisible  into  two  subfamilies,  mainly  according  to  the  structure  of  the  feet ;  and  both 
of  these  divisions  are  represented  in  North  America. 

Analysis  of  Subfamilies  and  Genera. 

MiCROPODlN^.     Front  toes  with  3  joints  apiece.     Hind  toe  lateral  or  versatile.     Tarsi  feathered. 

Toes  feathered.     Tail  not  spiny Aeronautes 

Ch.etorin^.    Front  toes  with  3,  4,  and  5  joints  from  inner  to  outer.    Hiud  toe  posterior  or  lateral,  but  not  reversed. 
Tarsi  and  toes  naked. 

Tail  emarginate,  not  mucronate C)/pseloides 

Tail  rounded,  mucronate ChcBtura 

Subfamily  MICROPODIN/E  :    Typical  Swifts. 

Ratio  of  phalanges  abnormal,  the  3d  an^  4th  toes  having  each  3  joints  like  the  2d  ;  basal 
phalanges  of  all  the  anterior  toes  very  short  (fig.  40).  Hind  toe  reversed  (in  Micropiis  or 
Cypselus),  or  lateral  (in  Aeronautes  and  Pamjptila).  Tarsi  feathered  (in  Micropus)  ;  toes 
also  feathered  (in  Aeronautes  and  Panyptila).  This  subfamily  contains  about  one-third  of 
the  species  of  Swifts,  most  of  which  belong  to  the  genus  Micropus.  This  genus  is  chiefly  Old 
World,  but  two  South  American  species  are  referred  to  it  by  late  authority.  Panyptila  is  a 
neotropical  genus,  to  which  our  Rock  Swift  has  usually  been  referred ;  but  in  Panyptila  the 
tail  is  deeply  forked,  with  acuminate  lateral  feathers  (compare  Aeronautes^  below).  There 
are  two  species  of  Panyptila,  P.  cayanensis  and  P.  sancti-hieronymi.  An  interesting  feature 
is  shown  by  the  group  of  Palm  Swifts,  in  which,  as  first  pointed  out  by  Hartert,  there  is  a 


MICROPODIDyE  —  MICROPODINuE:    TYPICAL   SWIFTS.  bbl 

curious  sort  of  spurious  zygodactylism ;  for  the  toes  are  in  right  and  left  pairs,  the  third  and 
fourth  toes  being  one  side,  the  first  and  second  on  the  other  side.  In  the  typical  Palm  Swifts, 
constituting  the  genus  Tachornis  as  now  restricted  and  defined,  the  toes  are  naked.  There 
are  several  Old  World  species,  and  one  West  Indian  (T.  phcenicohia) .  The  other  genus  of 
Palm  Swifts  has  feathered  toes ;  its  single  species,  Claudia  squamata,  inhabits  South  America. 
The  Palm  Swifts  "  build  tiny  nests  agglutinated  with  saliva  to  tlic  leaves  of  palms,"  while  the 
species  oi  Micropus  usually  nidificate  in  holes  in  rocks,  about  buildings,  etc,  only  occasionally 
in  trees.  The  most  remarkable  nests  in.  the  whole  subfamily  are  those  constructed  by  the 
Swifts  of  the  geuus  Panyptila,  which  glue  together  plunt-seeds  to  form  a  tube  about  two  feet 
lung,  hung  to  the  under  side  of  an  overhanging  rock  or  tree  trunk,  with  the  entrance  at  the 
lower  end  of  the  tube,  and  a  shelf  at  its  top  inside,  like  a  cornice  or  bracket,  on  which  the  eggs 
rest.  ' 

AERONAU'TES.  (Gr.  af)p,  depos,  aer,  aeros,  air,  the  air,  atmosphere;  vavTr)s,  nautes,  a 
sailor;  i.  e.  an  aeronaut:  well  applied  to  these  "sky-scrapers.")  Sky  Swifts.  Rock 
Swifts.  Tail  about  ^  as  long  as  wing,  moderately  forked,  with  stiffish  and  narrowed,  but 
not  acuminate  spiny,  feathers.  Wing  pointed  by  the  2d  primary,  the  1st  decidedly  shorter. 
Tarsi  feathered  to  the  toes;  those  also  feathered  to  some  extent.  Hind  toe  elevated,  lateral, 
but  not  reversible.  Front  toes  witli  slight  basal  webs.  Eyelids  naked.  Colors  black  and 
white.  Aeronautes  Hartert,  Brit.  Mus.  Cat.  B.  xvi,  1892,  p.  459;  Panyptila  of  all  former 
eds.  of  the  Key :  for  the  change  of  name,  see  above.  The  genus  was  wrongly  united  with 
Micropua  in  the  A.  0.  U.  List  of  188G. 

A.  saxa'tilis.  {\ji\i.  saxatilis,  rock-inliabitiug ;  s«.n«n,  a  rock.)  White-throated  Rock 
Swift.  Black  or  blackish;  chin,  tliroat,  breast,  and  middle  line  of  belly,  tips  of  secondaries, 
edge  of  outer  primary  and  lateral  tail-feathers,  and  a  fiank-patch,  white.  Forehead  and  line 
over  eye  ])ale;  a  velvety  black  space  before  eye.  Bill  black ;  feet  drying  yellowish.  The 
purity  of  color  varies  with  wear  of  the  feathers,  some  specimens  being  dull  sooty  brownish, 
others  more  purely  and  even  glossy  blackish.  The  extent  of  white  along  belly  is  very  vari- 
able. The  flank-patches  are  conspicuous,  in  life  sometimes  almost  meeting  over  rump.  Length 
6.50-7.00;  extent  about  14.00;  wing  about  the  same  as  length ;  tail  about  2.()r),  forked,  soft. 
Western  U.  S.,  Rocky  Mts.  to  the  Pacific,  and  S.  in  winter  to  Guatemala;  N.  to  Montana 
and  Idaho ;  E.  to  W.  Texas  and  eastern  foothills  of  the  mountains,  as  the  Black  Hills  of  S. 
Dakota,  etc. ;  migratory  in  most  of  its  U.  S.  range,  but  resident  on  and  near  our  southern 
border;  occurs  in  Lower  California  and  on  some  of  the  islands;  not  yet  known  to  occur  in 
Gregon,  Washington,  or  anywhere  N.  of  the  U.  S. ;  breeds  in  suitable  places  throughout  its 
U.  S.  range.  Thi.s  is  a  large  and  beautiful  Swift —  a  high-fiior  of  almost  incredible  velocity, 
witli  a  loud  shrill  twitter,  nesting  in  tlie  most  inaccessible  cliffs,  sometimes  by  thousands,  in 
May,  June,  and  July.     The  nest  is  securely  placed  far  in  holes  and  crevices  of  rocks  or  indu- 

-rated  earths,  usually  at  a  great  height;  it  is  a  saucer-like  structure,  about  5X2  inches,  with 
a  shallow  cavity,  made  of  various  vegetable  materials  well  glued  together  with  saliva,  and 
lined  with  feathers.  Eggs  several,  in  one  instance  5,  narrowly  subelliptical,  0.87  X  0.52, 
vhite.  Tiie  name  of  this  bird  seems  as  hard  to  fiiwl  as  its  nest  and  oggs !  The  species  is  un- 
quostionably  tlie  Acanthylis  saxatilin  of  WoODHOUSE,  Sitgreave's  Rep.  Expl.  Zufii  and  Col. 
\i.  185.'3,  p.  (i4,  type  locality  Inscription  Rock,  N.  M.  I  stood  on  this  very  rock  July  .'{,  18()4, 
and  knew  that  Dr.  Woodhouse's  birds  were  flying  in  my  face;  hence  Panyptila  sn.ratilis 
Coles,  Key,  orig.  ed.  1872,  p.  182,  Liter  eds.  1884-90,  p.  450,  and  now  Atronautefi  sa.ratilitt  : 
see  my  Birds  N.  W.  1874,  p.  2(55,  for  particulars.  Next,  this  Swift  was  described  as  Cypselus 
melanoleucHf)  Baird,   Pr.  Phila.  Acad.    1854,  ]>.  118;  wiience  Panyptila  mclanoleuca  Baird, 

B.  N.  A.  18.58,  p.  141  ;  3Iicropi(s  mclanolcKCKs  Uiixiw.  Auk,  July,  Ir^f^l.  p.  2.'{0:  \.  O.  V.  List, 
1st  cd.  l-^st;.  p.  t*'j;} ;  Aeronautes  miUniolcucus  Hartert,  as  above;  A.  O.  !'•  List,  1895, 
No.  4-J5. 


658  SYSTEMATIC   SYNOPSIS.  -PICARIM— CYPSELI. 


Subfamily  CH/ETURIN/E:  Spine-tail  Swifts. 

Toes  with  normal  number  of  phalanges  ,  all  but  the  penultimate  ones  extremely  short.     An- 
terior toes  cleft  to  base  (no  webbing).    Hind  toe  not  reversed,  but  sometimes  versatile  ;  our  species 

have  it  obviously  elevated.  Tarsi  never  feathered;  naked 
and  skinny,  even  on  the  tibio- tarsal  joint.  In  the  prin- 
cipal genus,  Chcetura,  containing  about  two-thirds  the 
species  of  the  subfamily,  of  various  parts  of  the  world, 
the  tail-feathers  are  stiflened  and  mucronate  by  the  pro- 
jecting rhachis.  There  are  over  30  species  of  these 
spine-tailed  Swifts,  in  several  sections  of  the  genus,  by 
some  systematists  ranked  as  separate  genera  (especially 
Hemiprocne)  ;  but  they  are  much  alike,  and  our  familiar 
Chimney  Swift  is  a  fair  example  of  them  all.  Cypseloi- 
des  is  an  exclusively  American  genus  of  5  or  6  species, 

Fig.  375  —  Chfetztrince.      Head  and  mu-  r.      i  .   ■  .  n^^        t  ■    -, 

cronate  laii-ieatiier  of  Chwtura  peiagica^nax.  one  of  which  occurs  m  our  Country.  1  he  third  geuus  is 
size.    (Ad.  nat.  del.  E.  c.)  Collocalia,  containing  the  Swiftlets  or  so-called  Salan- 

ganes,  some  12  or  15  species  of  which  range  widely  over  warm  and  temperate  parts  of  the  Old 
World  from  Africa  to  Oceania.  The  Swiftlets  include  such  species  as  C.  fiiciphaga,  which 
build  the  "  edible  "  nests  of  their  own  saliva,  more  or  less  mixed  with  fiicus  or  other  seaweeds, 
mosses,  etc. 

CYPSELOI'DES.  (Gr.  Kv-<^eKos,  kiipselos,  Lat.  cypselus,  the  European  Swift,  Cypselus 
opus,  now  called  3Iicropus  apiis  ;  eiSor,  eiclos,  form,  likeness.)  Cloud  Swifts.  Tail  forked 
tar  emarginate,  with  obtusely-pointed  but  non-mucronate  stifBsh  feathers.  First  primary  long- 
est. Tarsi  naked,  skinny.  Hind  toe  elevated,  but  perfectly  posterior.  Front  toes  cleft  to 
base.  Nostrils  embedded  in  feathers.  Uuicolor.  (Genus  Nephoccetes  Baird,  1858,  correctly 
JSfephcecetes,  as  in  former  editions  of  the  Key,  p.  457,  where  it  is  said  to  be  "scarcely  different'' 
from  Cypseloides ;  and  I  am  glad  to  see  that  it  has  been  replaced  by  Cypseloides  in  the  A.  0.  U. 

Lists.) 

C.  ni'ger  borea'lis.  (Lat.  nicjer,  black ;  borealis,  northern.  Our  species  is  a  variety  of  the 
West  Indian  C  wi^rer.  Fig.  374.)  Northern  Black  Cloud  Swift.  Adult  i^  9 :  Entire 
plumage  sooty-black,  with  slight  greenish  gloss,  little  paler  below  than  above;  feathers  of 
head  and  belly  with  grayish  edges.  A  velvety  black  area  in  front  of  eye ;  forehead  hoary ; 
eyelids  partly  naked.  Bill  black ;  feet  probably  dusky-purplish  in  life.  Length  7.00  or  more  ; 
wing  the  same;  tail  2.75,  forked  nearly  0.50  in  adult  ^,  merely  emarginate  in  9  j  tarsus 
0.50;  middle  toe  and  claw  about  the  same.  Young:  Tail  rounded;  plumage  dull  black- 
ish, nearly  every  feather  skirted  with  white,  especially  noticeable  on  belly,  rump,  and  upper 
tail-coverts  and  inner  wing  quills;  crissum  mostly  white;  supposed  to  require  several  years 
to  perfect  the  black  plumage.  Rocky  Mts.  to  the  Pacific,  U.  S.  and  British  Columbia;  a 
great  black  Swift  still  imperfectly  known;  supposed  to  nest  in  cliffs  up  to  11,000  feet: 
ranges  to  about  13,000;  crops  found  filled  with  Ephemeridce.  The  bird  breeds  in  holes 
and  crevices  in  cliffs,  often  inaccessible,  like  the  Rock  Swift,  in  June  and  July,  and  it  has 
been  observed  in  so  many  localities  during  the  breeding  season  that  it  may  be  confidently 
stated  to  nest  in  suitable  places  nearly  or  quite  throughout  its  North  American  range.  It  is 
migratory  with  us,  arriving  over  our  borders  late  in  April,  and  returning  in  September.  It 
is  more  common  in  the  Pacific  coast  region  than  in  the  interior,  and  ranges  S.  in  winter  to 
Costa  Rica.  The  West  Indian  habitat  once  assigned  was  an  error,  it  being  that  of  AT.  niger 
proper,  from  which  our  bird  differs  decidedly  in  being  larger  —  average  wing  measure- 
ments over  G.50,   instead  of  about  G.OO.     I   am  at  a  loss  to  understand  why  the  A.  0.  U. 


micropodid.e—ch.eturinjE:  spine-tail  swifts. 


559 


persisted  in  refusing  to  recognize  borealis  as  a  subspecies  till  1897,  when  it  accepted  the 
position  I  had  maintained  in  the  Key  since  1872 :  see  Auk,  Jan.  1897,  p.  12t),  No.  422. 
The  bird  is  recognized  as  a  full  species  by  Dr.  Sclater,  and  as  a  good  subspecies  by  Mr. 
Hartert;  and  Major  Bendire  also  separates  the  two  forms,  though  he  does  not  venture  to 
differ  from  the  A.  O.  U.  in  nomenclature  (Life  Histories,  ii,  1896,  p.  175).  The  differ- 
ences are  at  least  as  great  in  size  as  those  separating  Chcetura  vauxi  from  C  pelagica.  In 
these  days,  when  North  American  Ornithology  has  been  thoroughly  Brehuiized,  with  hair- 
splitting and  heart-rending  super-refinements,  the  present  case  can  only  be  explained  as  a 
miracle. 

CH.(ETU'RA.  (Gr.  x"''"'?'  chaite,  a  bristle ;  ovpa,  oura,  a  tail.  Fig.  375.)  Spine-tail 
Swifts.  Tail  short,  less  than  half  as  long  as  wing,  even  or  a  little  rounded,  mucronate,  —  the 
stiff  spiny  shafts  of  the  feathers  protruding  like  needles  beyond  the  webs.  First  primary 
longest.  Tarsi  naked  and  skinny.  Hind  toe  elevated,  but  posterior.  Front  toes  all  of  about 
tlie  same  length,  cleft  to  base.  Feathers  reaching  to  but  not  far  below  nostrils.  Unicolor  or 
bicolor  (our  species  one-colored,  sombre.)     Se.xes  alike. 

C.  pela'gica.  (Gr.  TreXayioy,  pelagios,  Lat.  pclagiciis,  pelagic,  marine,  or  oceanic;  application 
to   this   bird    questionable.     lu  1758  Linnaeus  nauied  it   Hirundo  pelagica,  but  in  1766  he 

changed  the  specific  term  to  ^;e- 
I'lsgia.  The  IlfXacryoi  or  Pelasgi 
were  anciently  a  nomadic  tribe, 
and  the  implication  of  the  term  in 
ornithology  is  supposed  to  be  the 
bird's  migration,  without  any  ref- 
erence to  the  sea.  Gr.  adjectival 
forms  of  the  word  are  ntXairyiKos. 
neXdcryios,  ntXacryis,  ireXacryids, 
becoming  in  Lat.  Pelasgicus,  Pe- 
Insgius,  Pelasgis,  Pelasgias,  mean- 
ing Pelasgian,  Grecian,  Hellenic ; 
Pelasgia,  noun,  is  found  as  the 
name  of  a  certam  district  of  Thes- 
saly.  The  adj.  Pehtsgicus  occurs 
in  Pliny,  and  pelasgica  is  the  femi- 
nine form  of  this,  which  I  adopted 
in  the  2d-4th  eds.  of  the  Key. 
But  I  now  follow  the  A.  0.  U.  in 
revertiug  to  pclagkri  LiXN.  1758, 
without  prejudice  to  the  (juestion 
of  what  this  word  was  intended  to 
mean.  Figs.  376,  377.)  Chi.m- 
.NEY  Swift.  Chimney  "  Sw.vllow."  "  Chimney  Sweep."  Sooty-brown, 
with  a  faint  greenish  gloss  above  ;  below  jniler,  becoming  gray  on  the  throat  ; 
wings  black;  a  velvety  black  space  about  eyes.  Length  about  5. (Ml  or  rather 
more ;  wing  the  same  ;  extent  about  12.50  ;  tail  2.(J0,  even  or  a  little  rounded, 
spiny.  The  sexes  are  quite  alike,  and  the  young  hardly  differ  after  tiioy  are 
fully  fledged.  Eastern  L'^.  S.  and  adjoining  British  Provinces,  N.  to  lat.  54°  in  the  interior, 
W.  to  tiie  Great  Plains,  S.  in  winter  to  Central  America:  migratory,  and  very  abundant  in 
summer,  but  not  known  to  winter  within  our  limits  ;  migrates  in  March,  April,  Sept.,  and  Oct., 
breeds  thnnighout  its  North  American  range,  mostly  in  ,Iune  .-md  .July.  Like  Swallows,  which 
this  bird  so  curiously  resembles,  not  only  iu  form,  but  in  mode  of  lliiriit,  food,  and  twittering 


Fio.  37G.  —  Chimney  Swift. 


660 


5  YS  TEMA  TIC  S  Y NOP  SIS.  —  PICA  RIJ^—  CORA  CLE. 


notes,  it  has  mostly  forsakeu  the  ways  of  its  ancestors,  who  bred  in  hollow  trees,  and  now  places 
its  curious  open-work  nest  of  bits  of  twig  glued  together  with  saliva,  inside  disused  or  little  used 

chimneys  in  settled  parts  of 
the  country.  In  districts  still 
primitive,  however,  it  continues 
to  use  hollow  trees,  to  which 
it  resorts  by  thousands  to  roost. 
Not  impossibly  winters  in  such 
retreats  in  a  lethargic  state ! 
The  dry  twigs  for  its  pretty 
basket -like  nest  are  snapped 
ofl'  the  trees  by  the  birds  in  full 
flight.  No  soft  lining  is  used  ; 
the  nest  is  shaped  like  half  a 
saucer,  3  or  4  inches  across  by 
2  or  3  in  the  other  width,  and 
less  than  an  inch  deep ;  the 
twigs  used  are  from  half  an 
inch  to  2  inches  or  even  more 
in  length,  and  a  sixteenth  to 


Fig.  377.  — Nest  and  Eggs  of  Chunuey  Swift. 


an  eighth  of  an  inch  thick,  usually  much  varnished  over  with  the  dried  saliva.  The  eggs  are 
4-5,  seldom  6,  0.70  to  0.80  long  by  0.53  broad,  thus  narrowly  elliptical,  and  pure  white.  So 
great  are  the  volitorial  powers  of  this  bird,  that  the  sexes  can  come  together  on  the  wing. 
C.  vaux'i.  (To  Wm.  S.  Vaux,  of  Philadelphia.)  Vaux's  Swift.  Similar;  paler;  rump 
and  upper  tail-coverts  lighter  than  rest  of  upper  parts ;  throat  whitish.  Smaller ;  length  4.50  j 
wing  the  same;  tail  1.67.  Pacific  Coast  region,  U.  S.  and  British  Columbia,  rarely  in  the 
interior  E.  of  the  Sierras  Nevadas  and  Cascade  ranges  ;  S.  in  winter  to  Central  America.  Nest 
and  eggs  as  in  the  common  species;  eggs  averaging  a  trifle  smaller.  This  species  still  uses 
hollow  trees  to  breed  in,  but  is  already  beginning  to  utilize  chimneys. 

Note.  —  One  or  two  other  species  of  this  genus,  representing  the  subgenus  Hemiprocne, 
may  be  expected  over  our  border  —  especially  the  Collared  Swift,  Hemiprocne  zonaris- 
of  Mexico,  etc.  This  is  a  large  handsome  bird,  blackish,  with  a  white  collar  around  the  neck 
behind,  and  a  white  breast ;  length  about  9.00;  wing  nearly  as  much;  tail  3.00.  The  Half- 
collared  Swift,  H.  semicollaris,  also  inhabits  Mexico. 


Suborder  CORACI-^  :   Coracian  Birds. 

See  p.  541  for  characters  of  this  group,  framed  to  include  the  five  families  Leptosomatidcey 
Coraciida;,  Capritmilgidce,  Podargidce,  and  Steatornithid(e.  Only  one  of  these,  the  Capri- 
midgidce,  is  North  American.  In  former  editions  of  the  Key,  this  family  included  the  Podar- 
gidce and  Steatornithidce,  and  was  brought  under  a  suborder  Cypseliformes,  corresponding 
exactly  to  the  "order"  Macrochires,  of  the  present  A.  0.  U.  classification,  and  including  the 
Trochilidce  and  Micropodidce.  (It  should  be  observed  here  that  the  original  Macrochires  of 
Nitzsch  included  only  the  "  long-handed  "  families,  the  Swifts  and  Hummers,  as  did  also  the 
precisely  equivalent  Cypseliformes  of  Garrod ;  but  that  the  Cypseliformes  of  Coues,  like  the 
Cypselomorplice  of  Huxley,  combined  the  Caprimidgidce  with  the  Cypselidce  and  Trochilida;.) 
But  the  undeniably  close  relations  of  the  Goatsuckers,  Swifts,  and  Hummers  are  overbalanced 
by  the  closer  affinities  of  the  Caprimulgiue  Birds  with  the  Rollers  and  Kirumbos  ;  hence  the 
present  association  of  all  the  Coracian  birds  in  one  suborder.  The  Steatornithida;,  a  mono- 
typical  neotropical  family  consisting  of  a  single  species,  Steatornis  caripensis,  the  Guacharo 


CAPRIMULGID.E:    GOATSUCKERS.  561 

or  Oil-bird,  is  so  peculiar  in  many  respects  that  it  is  sometimes  set  apart  in  a  superfamily  or 
suborder  Steatornithes  (see  p.  541  for  characters);  otherwise  the  transition  from  the  Caprimul- 
gidce  on  the  one  hand,  through  the  Podargidce,  to  the  Leptosomatidce,  and  thus  to  the  Cora- 
ciidce,  on  the  other  hand.  A  curious  evidence  of  affinity  between  these  families  may  be 
witnessed  in  the  lofty  tumbling  of  our  Night-hawks,  comparable  with  those  aerial  evolutions 
which  have  given  the  Kollers  their  name.  A  marked  feature  of  Coracian  birds  is  the  presence 
of  pulviplumes  in  some  of  the  families.  The  conformation  of  the  palate  is  too  various  to  fur- 
nish decisive  indications;  it  is  of  a  type  called  iegithognathous  or  schizognathous  in  one  of  the 
families,  but  desmognathous  in  the  others.  The  syrinx  is  tracheo-bronchial,  or  pseudo-bron- 
chial, or  bronchial;  in  the  latter  case  there  are  of  course  a  pair  of  syringes,  as  in  Steatornis  ; 
the  syringeal  muscles  are  not  more  than  one  pair.  The  oil-gland  is  nude,  if  present ;  there 
are  cfeca.  The  sternum  is  deep-keeled,  2-  or  4-notched.  The  spinal  pteryla  forks  over  the 
shoulders.  Two  carotids  occur  (always  '^).  The  ambiens  is  absent ;  neither  is  there  any  ac- 
cessory femorocaudal,  and  in  Steatornis  the  femorocaudal  itself  is  missing ;  the  flexor  digitorum 
profundus,  and  not  the  flexor  hallucis,  supplies  the  hallux,  by  the  sympelmous  arrangement  of 
tendons.  The  feet  are  anisodactylous,  in  the  Kirumbos  imperfectly  zygodactylous  by  versatil- 
ity of  the  4th  digit ;  in  the  true  Goatsuckers  this  digit  lacks  one  phalanx  ;  there  are  also  some 
other  peculiarities  of  the  feet,  which  as  a  rule  are  very  small,  weak,  and  scarcely  fitted  for  pro- 
gression, or  even  for  perching  in  an  ordinary  fashion.  The  rectrices  are  10  or  V2  ;  primaries 
1(1;  secondaries  more  than  7.  The  suborder  as  a  whole  consists  of  nocturnal  Picarian  birds, 
with  more  or  less  resemblance  to  Owls;  the  Oil-bird  is  quite  owlish,  and  even  so  diurnal  a  fam- 
ily as  the  Rollers  contains  nocturnal  species.  The  suborder  as  a  whole  is  nearly  cosmopolitan ; 
but  four  of  its  five  families  inhabit  restricted  areas,  and  only  one  is  common  to  both  hemispheres. 
Tliis  is  the 

Family   CAPRIMULGID^  :    Goatsuckers. 

(So  called  from  a  traditional  superstition.)  Fissirostral  Coracian  I'icarite,  Head  broad, 
flattened;  neck  inappreciable;  eyes  and  ears  large.  Bill  extremely  small  in  its  horny  portion, 
whicli  is  depressed,  and  triangular  when  viewed  from  above,  but  with  enormous  gape  reaching 
below  the  eye,  and  generally  with  bristles  at- 
taining an  extraordinary  development.  Nos- 
trils basal,  exposed,  roundish,  with  a  raised 
border,  sometimes  prolonged  into  a  tube. 
Wings  more  or  less  lengthened  and  jjointed, 
df-riving  tlieir  sweep  mainly  from  elongation 
of  the  distal  joints  and  the  feathers,  tlie  prox- 
imal segment  being  short;  of  10  primaries 
and  more  than  7  secondaries;  the  latter  not 

so   extremely  short   as   in  Clipselidcc  AwA  Tro-  Fio.  378. -Whippoorwill,   a  aetirostral   Caprimulgine. 

,.,.,  rp   .,  -,,      •        ,  em  (From  Tenney,  after  Wilson.) 

chiluhe.  lail  variable  in  shape,  or  10  rec- 
trices. Plumage  aftershafted  ;  pulviplumes  jirosent  only  in  one  genus  (Xi/ctibius).  Feet 
extremely  small;  tarsus  usually  short,  and  partly  feathered;  hind  toe  very  short,  commonly 
elevated  and  turned  sideways ;  front  toes  connected  at  base  by  movable  webbing,  and  usu- 
ally showing  abnormal  ratio  of  phalanges,  the  4th  toe  having  but  4  joints  (p.  133,  fig.  41)  ; 
middle  toe  lengthened  beyond  the  sliort  lateral  ones,  its  claw  usually  pectinate  (fig.  iiSO). 
Tlie  small  oil-gland  is  nude,  and  ca-ca  are  present.  The  arrangement  of  the  palatal  bones 
is  not  desmognathous;  small  basipterygoids  are  present;  tlie  jtalatines  are  cxpandetl  later- 
ally; the  vomer  is  truncate  in  front.  The  sternum  is  2-notclied  (4-notch<'d  only  in  Xifcti- 
bius).     As  thus  defined  (to  the  exdnsioii  of  I'odnrffiihr  ami  Stfalornithi<l(r,  which  used  lu 


562 


S  YS  TEMA  TIC  S  Y NOP  SIS.  —  PICARIjE  —  CORA  CLE. 


be  forced  into  this  family),  the  Caprimulgidce  are  a  defiuitely-circutnseribed,  easily-recog- 
nized group  of  about  20  genera  and  100  species,  of  temperate  and  tropical  parts  of  both 
hemispheres.  They  are  all  more  or  less  nocturnal,  and  have  a  certain  resemblance  to  Owls. 
The  flight  is  perfectly  noiseless;  the  plumage  is  very  soft  and  lax,  as  in  Owls,  and  the  colors 
are  blended  in  the  most  intricate  pattern.  In  certain  exotic  genera,  either  the  wing  or  tail 
develops  a  pair  of  immensely  lengthened  feathers.  Thus,  in  the  African  pennant-winged 
Cosmetornis  vexillarius  an  inner  primary  of  the  ^  is  prolonged  into  a  slender  streamer  a  foot 
and  a  half  long  ;  and  in  the  related  African  standard-bearer,  Macrodipteryx  macrodipterus,  the 
same  primary  of  the  ^  is  similarly  elongated,  with  a  bare  shaft  bearing  a  webbed  spatula  or 
racket  at  its  end.  The  African  Scotornis  climacurus  has  greatly  produced  central  tail-feathers  ; 
but  the  peculiar  development  of  rectrices  reaches  an  extreme  in  the  South  American  lyre- 
tailed  Goatsuckers,  Macropsalis  lyra  and  its  congeners.  The  whole  family  is  strictly  insectiv- 
orous, and  consequently  the  species  of  temperate  latitudes  are  migratory.  None  of  the  species 
are  nest  builders,  the  eggs  being  simj^ly  dropped  in  open  places ;  these  are  normally  two  in 
number,  generally  colored,  sometimes  unmarked.  The  young  hatch  downy,  but  helpless.  The 
Caprimulgidce  are  divisible,  according  to  the  structure  of  the  feet  and  other  characters,  into 
two  subfamilies  :  Nyctibiince,  phalanges  normal,  middle  claw  not  pectinate,  pulviplumes  pres- 
ent, sternum  doubly-notched,  upper  mandible  toothed,  containing  one  genus  (Nyctibius)  of 
tropical  America ;  and  Caprimulgince,  comprising  the  rest  of  the  family.  The  latter  alone  is 
represented  in  North  America.  Our  "  Whippoorwills  "  are  typically  caprimulgine,  and  give  a 
good  idea  of  the  essential  characters  of  the  family;  our  '*  Night-hawks"  are  more  aberrant, 
representing  a  particular  section  of  the  subfamily;  but  neither  of  these  gives  any  hint  of  the 
singular  shapes  which  some  of  the  genera  assume. 


Subfamily  CAPRIMULCIN/E  :   True  Goatsuckers  ;    Night-Jars. 

Sternum    singly-notched   on  each  side  behind.       No   pulvij^lumes.      Bill   not   toothed. 
Ratio  of  phalanges  abnormal  (2-3-4-4).     Outer  toe  4-jointed  (fig.  41);  middle  claw  pectinate; 

liind  toe  very  short,  elevated,  semi-lateral ;  anterior  toes  movably 
webbed  at  base ;  lateral  toes  not  nearly  reaching  base  of  mid- 
dle claw.  Tarsus  very  short,  commonly  much  feathered  (longer 
and  naked  in  Nyctidromus  and  Phalcenoptilus).  Besides  the 
semipalmation  of  the  feet,  there  is  another  curious  analogy  to 
wading  birds  ;  for  the  young  are  downy  at  birth,  as  in  Prcccoces, 
instead  of  naked,  as  is  the  rule  among  Altrices.  The  plumage 
is  soft  and  lax,  much  as  in  the  Owls;  the  birds  have  the  same 
uijiseless  flight,  as  well  as,  in  most  cases,  nocturnal  or  crepus- 
cular habits  ;  and  some  of  them  bear  an  odd  resemblance  to 
Owls.  Besides  this  fluffiness  and  laxity  of  the  plumage,  the 
skin  is  very  thin  and  tender;  it  is  diflScult  to  make  good  speci- 
mens of  the  Whippoorwills,  and  the  curiously  variegated  blended 
shades,  of  exquisite  beauty,  like  the  powdery  coloration  of  a 
moth's  wings,  are  at  best  not  easy  to  describe.  An  evident 
design  of  the  capacious  mouth  is  the  capture  of  insects ;  the 
active  birds  quarter  the  air  with  wide-open  mouth,  and  their 
minute  prey  is  readily  taken  in.  But  they  also  secure  larger 
insects  in  other  ways ;  and  to  this  end  the  rictus  is  frequently 
strongly  bristled,  as  in  the  Tyrannidce  and  Capitonidce.  The  most  usual  quarry  consists  of 
nocturnal  or  crepuscular  moths  and  beetles.  In  all  our  genera  except  Chordeiles,  the  rictal 
bristles  are  1.00  or  more  in  length,  in  a  firm  regular  series  along  gape  —  relatively  longer  and 


Fig.  379.  —  Night-hawk,  a  gla- 
brirostral  Caprimulgine.  (From  Ten- 
ney,  after  Wilson. ) 


caprimulgidjE  —  caprlml^lgin.E:  true  goatsuckers.     563 

stiffer  than  whiskers  of  a  cat.  Our  several  genera  are  readily  discriminated  by  good  charac- 
ters of  nostrils,  enormous  rictal  bristles,  and  comparatively  short  wings  of  Night-iars  jjroper, 
in  comparison  with  slight  bristles,  forked  tail,  and  long  pointed  wings  of  Chonleiles  ;  they 
respectively  represent  two  sections  of  the  subfamily  —  Setirostres,  bristled-billed  (fig.  378), 
and  Glabrirostres,  smooth-billed  (fig.  379).  Most  genera  of  the  subfamily  are  setirostral,  and 
most  such  species  belong  to  the  Old  World  genus  Cajmmulgus,  from  which  our  Antrostomus 
differs  little ;  leading  glabrirostral  genera,  besides  Chordeiles,  are  Lyncornis,  Podager,  and 
Lurocalis.  In  both  sections  the  feet  are  so  extremely  short  that  the  birds  cannot  perch  in  the 
usual  way,  but  sit  lengthwise  on  a  large  branch,  or  crouch  on  the  ground.  They  lay  two 
lengthened,  more  or  less  nearly  elliptical,  white  or  thickly  spotted  eggs,  on  or  near  the  ground, 
in  stumps,  etc.  The  sexes  are  distinguishable,  but  nearly  alike.  The  voice  is  peculiar,  and 
has  given  several  of  the  species  their  fanciful  onomatopoetic  names. 

Analysis  of  Genera. 

A.  Setirostres.     Long  rictal  bristles.     Plumage  very  lax. 

Tarsus  extensively  feathered.     Nostrils  not  extensively  tubular. 

Tail  rounded,  much  shorter  than  wing.     Primaries  all  mottled,  without  white  spaces.     Eggs  colored.     Large 

and  medium-sized Antrostomus 

Tarsus  naked,  except  on  joint  above.    Nostrils  extensively  tubular. 

Tail  square,  much  shorter  than  wing.    Primaries  all  mottled,  without  white  spaces.    Eggs  colorless.     Small. 

(Western.) • P/ialcrnoptiliis 

Tail  rounded,  about  as  long  as  wing.     Outer  primaries  mostly  whole-colored,  with  great  white  spaces.     Eggs 
colored.     Very  large.     (Southwestern.) A'yctidromus 

B.  Glabrirostres.     No  long  rictal  bristles.     Plumage  more  compact. 
Tarsus  moderately  feathered.     Nostrils  not  extensively  tubular. 

Tail  forked,  much  shorter  than  the  pointed  wing.     Outer  primaries  mostly  whole-colored,  with  great  white 
spaces.     Eggs  colored.     Medium-sized Chordeiles 


NYCTI'DROMUS.  (Gr.  pv^,  gen.  vvktos,  mix,  nuctos,  night;  dpofios,  dromos,  act  of  coursing. 
Fig.  380.)  Night  Coursers.  Nos- 
trils prolonged  as  cylindric  tubes  open- 
ing forward  and  outward.  Rictal 
bristles  immense,  simple;  other  bris- 
tle-tipped or  bristle-bearded  featliers 
about  bill.  Tarsus  lengthened,  but 
not  exceeding  middle  toe  without  claw, 
naked  except  just  on  the  joint.  Wing 
scarcely  rounded ;  tipped  by  2d,  3d, 
and  4th  ([uills,  1st  longer  than  oth, 
foliling  to  about  middle  of  tail,  which 
is  rounded,  and  approximately  of  equal 
length  with  the  wing.  Plumage  not 
so  lax  as  in  a  Whippoorwill ;  in  this, 
as  in  tlie  .stiffisli  primaries  with  little 
marbling   but   great  wllite   spaces,    and  Kio.    ,3.-^0.  —  Head,  foot,  and   pectinated  claw  of  X yd  id  ro  in  II 3, 

under  parts  barred  cro.sswise,  is  seen     '"'t- «i^e-    (Ad.  nat.  del.  R.  Ridgway.) 

an  approach  to  Chordeiles,  between  wliich  genus  and  Phakenoptilus  Xi/ctidiomus  probal'ly 

comes.     One  or  two  species,  long  well  known  in  tropical  America. 

N.  albicol'lis  iiierrilli.     (Lat.  albus,  wliite;  coUum,  neck.     To  Dr.  J.  C.  Merrill,  U.  8.  A.) 

Mkruim/s  I*AK.\riiri:.    Adult  ^  :    Assuming  bniwnish-gray  as  ground  color  of  upper  parts  : 

Crown  licavily   daslicil  witli   black  .streaks  along  the  midillo  line,  with  narrow  blark  sh.itt- 

Hnes  at  the  sides  and  on  nape.     Back  more  diffusely  streaked  willi  black  iu  smaller  pattern. 


V. 


564 


SYSTEMA  TIC   SYNOPSIS. —PICARLE— CORACLE. 


leuding  to  break  up  in  chains  of  shaft-spots,  and  with  lighter  gray  and  brown  marbling. 
Scapulars  and  tertiaries  boldly  and  beautifully  marked  with  firm,  even,  sharp  lines  of  white  or 
tawny-white  —  the  arrow-headed  edg>ings  of  angular  black  terminal  fields.  Wing-coverts 
curiously  mottled  with  black,  white,  and  tawny  —  the  white  and  tawny  conspicuous  as  large 
irregularly  roundish  spots.  Five  outer  primaries  with  a  large  oblique  white  spot,  on  1st  at 
about  its  middle,  on  others  nearing  their  ends;  these  primaries  othei'wise  plain  blackish,  ex- 
cept a  little  marbling  at  their  ends  —  the  whole  eflect  thus  as  in  Chordeiles.  Other  primaries 
and  all  secondaries  blackish,  fully  scalloped  and  barred  with  tawny  in  increasing  amount  and 
regularity  from  without  inward.  Four  middle  tail-feathers  clouded  with  the  same  variegated 
colors  as  other  upper  parts,  but  without  definite  white  —  the  markings  tending  to  wavy  cross- 
bars. Next  two  lateral  feathers  on  each  side  with  great  white  spaces  on  one  or  both  webs  at 
end,  2-3  inches  long,  the  rest  of  these  feathers  chiefly  barred  with  black  and  tawny ;  outer 
feather  chiefly  black,  but  with  marbling,  and  with  white  and  tawny.  Ear-coverts  rich  chestnut, 
well  contrasted  with  surroundings.  Throat  with  a  broad  white  collar,  some  of  the  white 
feathers  black-tipped.  Under  parts  ochraceous  or  pale  tawny,  varied  with  whitish,  and  pretty 
regularly  barred  crosswise  with  blackish-brown,  thus  somewhat  as  in  Chordeiles.  Length 
13.00;  extent  25.00;  wing  and  tail,  each,  7.50;  tail  graduated  1.00;  tarsus  1.00  ;  middle  toe 
and  claw  1.25.  Another  Texas  specimen  (perhaps  9  >  ^"t  with  even  more  white  on  tail,  but 
white  on  only  4  primaries)  is  much  smaller:  length  about  10.50  ;  wing  (5.50  ;  tail  6.00.  The 
species  is  said  to  be  very  variable  in  size  and  markings ;  9  to  have  the  collar  buflf.  N.  E. 
Mexico  into  Texas,  where  common  in  the  valley  of  the  Lower  Eio  Grande.  Eggs  2,  laid  on 
the  ground  in  woods  or  thickets;  1.25  X  0.92,  creamy-bufl"  or  salmon-color,  splashed  and 
spotted  with  pinkish,  brown,  and  lilac;  the  markings  generally  profuse  and  evenly  distributed, 
but  sometimes  mainly  confined  to  the  larger  end,  or  quite  faint  over  the  whole  surface ;  size 
also  varying  about  0.25  in  length.  They  are  found  in  Texas  from  the  middle  of  April  through 
June.  (N.  albicoUis  of  the  2d  and  3d  eds.  of  the  Key,  in  the  4th  ed.  1890,  p.  902,  distinguished 
from  the  stock  form  of  tropical  America,  after  Sennett,  Auk,  Jan.  1888,  p.  44;  A.  0.  U. 
List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  419.) 

ANTRO'STOMUS.  (Gr.  avrpov,  antron,  a  cave  :  arofxa,  stoma,  mouth  ;  alluding  to  the  cav- 
ernous mouth.     Fig.  381.)     American  Night- jars.     Nostrils  oval,  with  a  raised  rim  not 

prolonged  as  a  tube,  opening  upward  and 
outward.  Rictal  bristles  immense,  with 
or  without  lateral  filaments,  and  other 
bristly  or  bristle- bearded  feathers  about 
bill.  Tarsus  not  longer  than  middle  toe 
without  claw,  feathered  in  front  nearly  to 
toes.  Wing  rounded,  tipped  by  2d  and 
3d  quills,  folding  to  beyond  middle  of  tail, 
which  is  rounded  (not  enough  so  in  fig. 
383)  and  much  shorter  than  wing.  Plu- 
mage very  lax,  with  minutely  marbled 
coloration,  in  some  places  as  if  dusted  or 
frosted  over  ;  primaries  weak,  all  mottled 
with  tawny,  without  great  white  spaces ; 
under  parts  mottled,  with  little  tendency 
to  regular  crosswise  barring ;  markings  of  crown  longitudinal.  Size  medium  and  rather  large ; 
sexes  distinguishable ;  eggs  2,  heavily  colored.  Highly  nocturnal.  Containing  those  shadowy 
birds,  consorts  of  bats  and  Owls,  —  those  scarce-embodied  voices  of  the  night,  here,  there,  and 
everywhere  unseen,  but  shrilling  on  the  ear  with  sorrow-stricken  iteration. 


Fig.  381.  —Head  and  foot  of  Whippoorwill,  nat.  size 
nat.  del.  R.  Ridgway. ) 


(Ad. 


CAPRIMULGID.E—CAPRIMULGIN.^:    TRUE   GOATSUCKERS.       565 


Analysis  of  Species  and  Subspecies. 

Large  :  wing  8.00  or  more  ;  rictal  bristles  garnished  with  lateral  filaments.     Tail  with  large  wliole-colored  spaces  in 
(f  only.     (Antrostomus  proper) carolinensis 

Small :  wing  7.00  or  less,  rictal  bristles  simple.    Tail  with  light  spaces  in  both  sexes. 

Eastern  N.  Am vociferus 

Arizona  and  New  Mexico       .     .  v.  macromystax 

A.  carolinen'sis.  (Lat.  Carolinian.  Fig.  382.)  Chuck-will's-widow.  The  rictal  bristles 
tvith  lateral  filaments.  Singularly  variegated  with  black,  white,  brown,  tawny,  and  rufous,  the 
prevailing  tone  fulvous  ;  a  whitish  or  tawny  throat-bar ;  several  lateral  tail-feathers  with  large 
whole-colored  space  in  ^,  all  variegated  in  9  •  Adult  (^:  Taking  dark  wood-brown  as  ground 
color  of  upper  parts,  this  is  heavily  dashed  with  black,  lengthwise  on  crown  in  large  pattern, 
elsewhere  similar  in  smaller  style,  everywhere  minutely  punctuated  with  ochrey  and  gray,  as 
if  dusted  over;  wing-coverts  and  inner  quills  more  boldly  varied  with  black  centre-fields  and 
tawnv  or  whitish  edgings  of  the  feathers.     Four  middle  tail-feathers  singularly  clouded  with 


Fio.  382. — Antrostomus  Carolinensis,  nat.  size.     (L.  A.  Puertes.) 

gray  and  tawny  on  a  seeming  black  ground,  tlie  pattern  tending  crosswise.  All  other  tail- 
feathers  with  inner  webs  having  2-3  inch  long  whole-colored  spaces,  white  viewed  from  above, 
tawny  seen  from  below  (a  curious  difference,  which  has  caused  some  confusion  in  descriptions 
of  the  sexes  of  this  bird)  ;  their  outer  webs  mottled  with  black  and  tawny.  Primaries  black, 
fully  mottled  with  broken-up  tawny-reddish  cross-bars.  General  tone  of  under  parts  ochra- 
ceous,  becoming  quite  so  posteriorly,  with  pronounced  tendency  to  black  cross-waves.  Length 
11.00-12.00;  e.xtent  about  25.00;  wing  8.00  or  more;  tail  (>.00  or  more;  whole  foot  1.75. 
9  only  differs  in  lacking  whole-colored  spaces  on  tail,  all  tlio  feathers  being  motley  through- 
out; primaries  more  closely  mottled  with  reddish;  rather  smaller;  but  the  Chuck-will's-widow 
is  on  the  whole  about  twice  as  bulky  as  the  Wiiippoorwill,  and  should  never  be  mistaken  for 
it.  South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States  ;  Cuba;  S.  in  winter  to  the  IT.  S.  of  Colombia  ;  N.  on  the 
Atlantic  only  to  Virginia  regularly,  to  Massachusetts  accidentally,  in  the  Mississipjii  valley  to 
Indiana,  Illinois,  Missouri,  and  casually  Kansas;  W.  in  portions  of  Arkansas,  Indian  Ter- 


566  S  YSTEMA  TIC  S YNOPSIS.  —  PICA RLI^  —  CORA  CI^. 

ritory,  and  Texas ;  resident  on  our  southern  border,  migratory  in  the  rest  of  its  range,  April 
and  Sept.  ;  breeds  throughout,  chiefly  in  May  and  June.  No  nest ;  eggs  laid  on  the  ground, 
in  woods,  2  in  number,  equal-ended  or  nearly  so,  averaging  1.45  X  1.05,  creamy  or  pinkish, 
but  very  heavily  marked  in  intricate  pattern  with  browns  and  neutral  tints  ;  the  tone  extremely 
variable  in  its  blotching,  marbling,  and  clouding,  indescribable  in  few  words.  The  bird  feeds 
maiuly  upon  large  night-flying  lepidopterous  and  coleopterous  insects,  but  includes  many  others 
in  its  fare,  and  has  long  been  known  to  devour  occasionally  small  birds.  It  is  very  common 
in  the  Southern  States,  but  an  elusive  recluse. 

A.  voci'ferus.  (Lat.  vociferus,  voice-bearing.  Figs.  378,  381,  383.)  Whippoorwill. 
NiCtHT-jar.  The  rictal  bristles  simple.  Upper  parts  variegated  with  gray,  black,  whitish, 
and  tawny ;  prevailing  tone  gray ;  black  streaks  sharp  on  head  and  back ;  colors  elsewhere 
delicately  marbled,  including  four  median  tail-feathers ;  wings  and  their  coverts  with  bars  of 
rufous  spots;  lateral  tail-feathers  black,  with  large  white  ((?)  or  small  tawny  (9)  terminal 
spaces;  a  white  ((^)  or  tawny  (?)  throat-bar.  Adult  ^  :  Assuming  stone-gray  as  ground- 
color (jf  upper  parts  :  Crown  with  a  purplish  cast,  heavily  dashed  lengthwise  with  black;  back 


Fig.  38:J.  —  Whi|i|iuorwiU,  i  nat.  size.     (From  Brehm.     Tail  not  rounded  enough.) 


darker,  with  smaller  streaks;  tail  beautifully  marbled  with  slate-gray  and  black  tending  cross- 
wise on  4  middle  feathers ;  scapulars  with  bold  black  centre-fields  set  in  frosty  marbling ;  hind 
neck  with  white  specks,  as  if  continued  around  from  white  throat-bar.  Primaries  black,  with 
a  little  marbling  at  their  ends,  fully  broken-barred  with  tawny-reddish ;  no  white  spaces. 
Three  lateral  tail-feathers  mostly  black,  with  pure  white  terminal  spaces  1-2  inches  long. 
Under  parts  quite  blackish,  on  breast  powdered  over  with  hoary-gray,  more  posteriorly  marbled 
with  gray  and  tawny,  tending  crosswise.  Lores  and  ear-coverts  dark  brown.  It  is  only  in 
perfect  plumage  that  the  colors  are  as  slaty  and  frosty  as  described  ;  ordinarily  more  brown 
and  ochrey.  Length  9.00-10.00 ;  extent  16.00-18.00;  wing  6.00  or  more;  tail  6.00  or  less ; 
whole  foot  1.40;  longest  rictal  bristle  about  1.50;  the  distance  across  from  one  corner  of  mouth 
to  the  other  about  as  much  as  length  of  gape.  Adult  9  '•  General  tone  more  brownish  and 
ochrey;  throat-bar  tawny-whitish;  tail-spaces  very  slight  and  ochraceous;  rather  smaller. 
Eastern  U.  S.  and  British  Provinces,  N.  in  Canada  to  lat.  54°  iu  the  region  of  Lake  Winnipeg, 
W.  to  Manitoba  and  Assiniboia,  the  Dakotas,  Nebraska,  Kansas,  Indian  Territory,  and  Texas ; 
S.  in  winter  to  Guatemala ;  casual  in  some  of  the  West  Indies ;  migratory  in  nearly  all  its 
N.  A.  range,  but  winters  on  our  Gulf  coast;  breeds  from  the  S.  States  northward,  mainly  in  May 
and  June ;  migrates  mainly  in  April  and  Sept.  A  shady  character,  oftener  heard  than  seen,  of 
recluse  nocturnal  habits  and   perfectly   noiseless  flight,  in  the   breeding  season  ceaseless   in 


caprimulgidjE—caprimulgiNuE:  true  goatsuckers.     567 


uttering  with  startling  vehemence  its  uncouth  cries.  The  notes  are  likened  to  the  phrase  which 
has  given  the  name  ;  they  are  very  rapidly  reiterated,  with  strong  accent  on  the  last  syllable ; 
when  very  near,  a  clicking  sound,  and  sometimes  low  murmuring  tones,  may  also  be  heard. 
No  nest;  2  eggs  on  ground  (dead  leaves)  or  log  or  stump,  in  woods,  1.20  X  0.90,  down  to  1.10 
X  0.80,  nearly  equal-ended,  white  or  creamy-white,  spotted  with  browns,  lilac  and  neutral 
tints.  The  young  are  helpless,  shapeless,  downy  masses ;  both  eggs  and  young  are  often 
removed  in  the  parent's  mouth  if  disturbed,  as  a  cat  carries  off  her  kittens,  —  a  practice, 
however,  habitual  in  this  curious  family  of  birds.  Unlike  the  Night-hawk,  the  Whippuor- 
will  rarely  flies  by  day,  unless  flushed  from  its  shady  retreats. 

A.  V.  niacroinys'tax.  (Gr.  ^a/<pd?,  ma^TOS,  long ;  fivara^,  nmstax,  a  moustache.)  Stephens' 
Whippoorwill.  Arizona  Whippoorwill.  Similar:  larger:  rictal  bristles  longer  and 
stouter.  (J  :  Throat-bar  and  superciliary  streak  ochraceous  ;  lores  and  ear-coverts  tawny ; 
white  spaces  on  tail  short;  under  tail-coverts  nearly  unbarred.  Length  10.20;  extent  19.40; 
wing  0.65;  tail  5.45;  longest  rictal  bristle  1.80;  longest  tail-spot  1.55.  Arizona,  New  Mexico, 
S.  W.  Texas,  and  S.  on  the  table  lands  of  Mexico  to  Guatemala.  Discovered  over  our  border 
.May  22,  1880,  in  the  Cliiricaliua  Mts.  of  Arizona,  by  F.  Stephens;  an  egg  taken  July  4  was 
white,  immaculate  but  for  faint  neutral  tint  sliell-spots,  1.17  X  0.87.  A.  v.  arizonce  Brewst. 
Bull.  Nutt.  Club,  vi,  Apr.  1881,  p.  G9;  CouES,  Key,  2d  ed.  1884,  p.  452;  A.  0.  U.  List,  1st 
ed.  1886,  No.  417  a  ;  Ridgw.  Man.  1887,  p.  299. 

Caprimulgus   macromystax  Wagl.    Isis,    1831,    p.  \    i,f     x'  ^-^  V  \\? 

5;J3  ;    C.    rociferus    macromysta.c   Hartert,    Ibis,      O^au'**  .,.,.^.ry^^?/^^====:^  y/j 

1892,  p.  286;  A.  v.  macromi/stax  A.  0.  U.  Auk,       ^^^^^'^^^''-     nv       J/ 
Jan.  1894,  p.  48  ;  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  417  «.  ^^"^^//tIUXX    ^==^^^^  /# 

PHALiENO'PTILUS.     (Gr.  (^a\aiva,  phula'ma,  a  '}■{ 

moth  ;  tvt'CKov,  j^tilon,  feather :  alluding  to  the  pow-  — S^j^''' 

dery  plumage,  like  the  furriness  of  a  moth's  wings. 
P'ig.  384.)     Poor-wills.     Nostrils  tul)ular,  cylin- 
dric,  opening  forward  and  outward.     Rictal  bristles 
immense,  but  simple.     Tarsus  naked  except  just  on 
tlie  joint  above  (as  in  Nyctidromus) ,  as  long  as  mid- 
dle toe  without  claw.     Tail  scjuare,  much   shorter  Fig  3S4.  —  Head  and  foot  of  Nuttall's  Poor- 
tlian  the  rounded  wings,  which  fold  nearly  to  its     "'"'  "''*•  ^'^''-    (*^-  «"**•  *>«'•  ^-  Ri^gway.) 
end.     Plumage  peculiarly  soft  and  velvety,  in  hoar-frosted  pattern  of  coloration.     Markings 
of  crown  transverse;  primaries  barred  witli  black  and  tawny.     Size  small.    Sexes  alike.     Note 
dissyllabic.     Eggs  white. 

Analysis  of  Subspecies. 

The  normal  stock  form nuttalli 

Bleached  desert  form "•  nitidus 

Dark  coast  form "•  californtcus 

v.  iiiit'talli.  (To  Th..s.  Nuttall.)  XiTTALi-'s  PooR-wiLL.  Aihih  ^  9:  Assuming  the 
nppiT  parts  of  a  beautiful  linnizy-gray  ground  coli.r,  tliis  is  elegantly  frosted  over  with  soft 
silver-gray,  and  watered  in  wavy  cross-pattern  witli  black,  these  black  double  crescents  enlarg- 
ing t<t  herring-bone  marks  on  scapulars  and  inner  quills.  Four  middle  tail-feathers  patterned 
after  back;  others  with  firmer  black  bars  on  motley  brown  ground,  and  short  white  tips. 
Primaries  and  longer  secondaries  bright  tawny,  with  pretty  regular  black  bars,  and  marbled 
tips  (the  half-opened  wing  viewed  fr(Mn  below  is  curiously  like  that  of  the  Short-eared  Owl). 
X  largo  firm  silky-wliite  throat-bar.  L^ider  parts  grounded  in  blackish-brown,  giving  way 
behind  through  ochrey  with  dark  bars  to  nearly  uniform  ochrey.  It  is  impossible  in  wt>rds  t«> 
give  an  idea  of  the  artistic  blending  of  the  colors  in  this  elegant  little  Night-jar.  The  .sexes 
scarcely  difl'er  ;  specimens  before  me  marked  9  I'ave  as  j)urely  white  throat  as  tlie  ^,  but  tlie 


568 


S  YS  TEMA  TIC   S  YNOPSIS.  —  PICA  RLE  —  CORA  CIjE. 


tail-tips  are  shorter  and  tinged  with  tawny.  Length  7.00-8.00;  extent  15.00;  wing  about 
5.50;  tail  3.50  or  less ;  tarsus,  or  middle  toe  without  claw,  0.65.  Great  Plains  nearly  to  the 
Pacific,  U.  S.  and  British  border.  W.  to  the  Sierras  Nevadas  of  California  and  Cascade  ranges 
of  Oregon  and  Washington,  E.  casually  to  Iowa  and  Missouri,  S.  to  Guatemala;  abundant; 
migratory,  but  breeds  throughout  its  U.  S.  range,  and  winters  sparingly  on  our  southern  bor- 
der. Note  of  two  syllables,  the  first  of  the  "  whippoorwill "  omitted.  Eggs  2,  1.05  X  0.80, 
down  to  0.90  X  0.75,  averaging  1.00  X  0.75,  elliptical,  white,  with  a  faint  blush,  occasionally 
with  a  few  fugacious  shell-markings  about  the  larger  end.  They  are  laid  from  May  to  August, 
on  the  bare  ground. 

P.  n.  nit'idus.  (Lat.  nitidiis,  shining.)  Frosted  Poor-will.  Similar  to  the  last,  but 
with  dark  markings  of  upper  parts  fewer  and  sharper  on  a  much  paler  ground,  and  cross-bars 
on  under  parts  finer  and  paler.  Described  as  a  bleached  desert  race  from  Texas  and  Arizona, 
N.  to  western  Kansas.  Brewst.  Auk,  April,  1887,  p.  147 ;  CouES,  Key,  4th  ed.  1890,  p.  902  ; 
A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  418  a. 

P.  n.  calif or'nieus,  (Lat.  Californian.)  DuSKY  Poor- will.  Like  the  stock  form,  but 
darker.     Pacific  coast  region,  Lower  California  and  northward.     Tva'o  skins  from  Nicasio  and 

Calaveras,  California,  are  said  to  be  "altogether 
darker  than  any  from  elsewhere."  Ridgw.  Man. 
1887,  p.  588 ;  Coues,  Key,  4th  ed.  1890,  p.  902 ; 
A.  O.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  418  b. 
CHORDEl'LES.  (Gr.  xop^,  chorde,  a  stringed 
LsUjssJ'*^  "  ^S^^I^^^W     musical  instrument ;  SeiXij,  evening  :  alluding  to 

the  crepuscular  habits.  The  malformed  name 
Chordeiles  of  Swainson,  1831,  continues  to  be 
so  misspelled  in  the  A.  0.  U.  Lists.  Fig.  385.) 
NiOHT-HAWKS.  Glahrirostral :  the  rictus  with- 
out long  stiff  bristles.  Horny  part  of  beak  ex- 
tremely small.  Nostrils  cylindric  and  rimmed 
about,  hardly  tubular,  opening  outward  and  up- 
ward. Tarsus  feathered  part  way  down  in  front. 
Fig.  385. —Night-hawk,  Female,  nat.  size.  (L.  Tail  lightly  forked,  much  shorter  than  the  ex- 
A.  Fuertes.)  tremely  long,  pointed,  stiff,  and  thin  bladed  wing, 

with  1st  primary  as  long  as  the  next.  Plumage  more  compact  and  smooth  than  in  Night-jars ; 
primaries  mostly  whole-colored  (in  texensis  spotted),  with  large  white  (or  tawny)  spaces  on 
the  outer  4-6 ;  under  parts  barred  across  ;  a  large  white  (or  tawny)  V-shaped  throat-bar. 
Eggs  2,  heavily  colored.     Not  strictly  nocturnal.     Remarkably  volitorial. 

Analysis  of  Species  and  Subspecies. 
Primaries  dusky,  with  large  white  spot  on  5  of  them,  in  both  sexes,  about  half  way  from  bend  to  point  of  the  wing. 
Large  ;  wing  over  7.00,  usually  near  8.00. 

The  ordinary  form,  dark.     N.  Am.     Chiefly  Eastern virginianus 

The  lighter  tawny  form.     Western  N.  Am ''•  "Snryt 

The  pale  silvery-gray  form.     Great  Plains *'■  senneth 

Small ;  wing  about  7.00.     Florida  and  Gulf  coast ■"•  chapmani 

Primaries  more  or  less  spotted  with  tawny,  with  large  white  ( d" )  or  tawny  ( 9 )  spaces  on  4  of  them  nearer  point 
than  bend  of  the  wing.     Small :  wing  about  7.00.     Southwestern texensis 

C.  vlrginia'nus.  (Lat.  Virginian.  Figs.  379,  385,  386.)  Night-hawk.  Mosquito-hawk. 
Bull-bat.  Piramidig.  Pisk.  Above,  mottled  with  black,  brown,  gray,  and  tawny,  the 
former  in  excess ;  below  from  breast  transversely  barred  with  blackish  and  white  or  pale  ful- 
vous; throat  with  a  large  white  (^)  or  tawny  (9  )  cross-bar;  tail  blackish,  with  pale  mar- 
bled cross-bars  and  a  large  white  spot  (wanting  in  the  9 )  on  one  or  both  webs  of  nearly 
all  the  feathers  toward  the  end  ;  primaries  dusky,  unmarked  except  by  one  large  white  spot  on 


CAPRIMULGID.E—CAPRIMULGIN.E:    TRUE    GOA  TSUCKERS. 


569 


outer  ,^i'e,  alxmt  midway  between  their  base  and  tip;  seeoiidaries  like  jiriiiiaries,  but  with 
whitish  tips  and  imperfect  cross-bars.  Sexes  nearly  alike:  o  witli  wliite  spaces  on  the  quills, 
l)ut  those  on  tail  replaced  by  tawny  or  not  evident.  Young  similar,  with  v\'ing-spots  from  the 
nest,  but  the  markings  finer  and  more  intricately  blended,  iu  effect  more  like  Antrostomus  ;  quills 
edged  and  tipped  with  tawny.  Lengtli  9.00  or  more;  extent  about  2.3  00;  wiug  about  8.00; 
tail  4.50;  whole  foot  J. 25;  culnien  scarcely  0.25;  gape  about  1.25.  Temperate  N.  Am., 
chiefly  Eastern,  abundant;  migratory;  l)ree(ls  tliroughout  its  N.  Am.  range;  winters  beyond, 
in  the  Bahamas,  Central,  and  much  of  South  America.  The  N.  limit  is  reached  in  Labrador, 
the  region  immediately  S.  of  Hudson's  Hay  and  N.  of  Lake  Winnipeg,  and  farther  N.  W.  to 
lat.  65°;  western  limits  uncertain,  owing  to  blending  with  the  two  next  varieties;  but  speci- 
mens indistinguishable  from  the  stock  form  occur  iu  British  Columbia,  Washington,  Oregon, 
and  California.  The  extensive  migrations  occur  in  Ajtril  and  .May,  and  from  late  August 
through  October.     This  species  dies  abroad  at  all  times,  though  perhaps  most  active  toward 


Flo.  iiSG.  —  Night-hawk,  or  Bull-bat,  ^  nat.  size.     (From  Brehm.     Bill  too  briotly. ) 


evening  and  iu  dull  weather;  and  is  generally  seen  in  companies,  busily  foraging  for  insects  with 
rapid,  easy,  and  protracted  Hight;  in  the  breeding  season  it  performs  curious  evolutions,  falling 
through  the  air  with  a  loud  booming  sound.  No  nest;  2  eggs  laid  May-July,  mostly  in  June, 
on  bare  ground  or  rock  in  field  or  pasture  (often  burnt  over)  or  <ni  a  flat  city  roof,  l.'ii  X 
0.87  to  1.10  X  0.80,  averaging  1.20  X  0.85,  more  or  less  elliptical,  finely  variegated  with  stone- 
gray  and  other  neutral  tints,  over  which  is  scratched  and  fretted  dark  olive-iiray;  but  the  pat- 
tern and  tints  are  too  variable  to  be  conci.sely  described.  The  general  effect  is  a  dark  marbling. 
I'lie  young  hatch  (•overe<l  with  Huffy  down,  whitish  below,  varied  with  blackish  and  brown 
ai)ove,  thus  resembling  tlieir  native  earth.  It  may  be  necessary  in  tliis  family  for  the  young 
to  be  covered  from  the  first,  to  protect  them  from  the  c(dd  ground.  On  being  disturbed  while 
brooding  the  female  feigns  lameness,  dragging  and  fluttering  about,  moaning  piteoiisly,  and  will 
sometimes  remove  her  young.  The  Night-hawk  has  been  given  in  previous  editions  of  the  Key 
as  (J.  jxjpetue,  f(dlowing  Baird's  adoption  iu  1858  of  Vieillot's  barbarous  name,  applied  to  the 
9  in  1807.  This  was  in  consequence  of  .some  uncertainty  supposed  to  attach  to  the  Ca]>ri- 
iniilgus  rirginianus  of  the  older  ornithologists,  that  of  Vieillot  being  tlie  Whippoorwill,  and 
that  of  Brisson,  1700,  for  example,  applying  to  the  Night-hawk  in  part  only.  But  as  there 
seems  to  he  no  necessary  doubt  about  C.  riiffininnxs  (Jm.  S.  N.  I.  1788,  p.  1028,  I  am  ghnl  to 
lollow  the  A.  O.  n.  Committee  in  drop])ing  the  objectionable  ;>ri/j(7//r'. 

<'.  V.  siMi'iK'tti.  (To  Geo.  B.  Sennett,  the  distinguished  ornithologist.)  Sf.NNKTT'.s  Nkiiit- 
II AWK.     This   is  that   pale  subspecies  of  the  Night-hawk  which   is  characteristic  of  the  un- 


670  SYSTEMATIC  SYNOPSIS.  — PICARIJE  — HALCYONES. 

wooded  country  from  Texas  to  Dakota  :  silvery  grayish -white  predominating  above,  the  white 
below  greatly  in  excess  of  the  narrow,  irregular  or  broken,  dark  bars,  and  little  or  no  rufous 
anywhere  —  in  the  latter  respect  especially  differing  from  C  v.  henryi.  Chordiles  popetiie 
sennetti  CouES,  Auk,  Jan.  1888,  p.  37 ;  Chordeiles  virginianus  sennetti  Chamb.  Syst.  Tabl. 
Canad.  Birds,  1888,  App.  A,  p.  14;  Chordediles  popetiie  sennetti  Coues,  Key,  4th  ed.  1890, 
p.  902;  A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  hypothetical  No.  16.  1,  p.  330,  admitted  to  the  regular 
list  at  the  Cambridge  meeting  of  the  Committee,  Nov.  15,  1896:  A.  0.  U.  Suppl.  List,  Auk, 
Jan.  1897,  p.  121,  No.  420  c. 

C.  V.  hen'ryi.  (To  Dr.  T.  C.  Henry.)  Western  Night-hawk.  The  lighter-colored  form 
prevailing  in  the  dryer  or  unwooded  portions  of  western  United  States  ;  gray  and  fulvous  in  ex- 
cess of  darker  hues;  white  patches  on  wing,  tail,  and  throat  usually  larger;  under  tail-coverts 
more  nearly  uniform  ;  but  no  specific  character  can  be  assigned. 

C.  V.  chap'mani.  (To  Frank  M.  Chapman,  the  distinguished  ornithologist.)  Chapman's 
Night-hawk.  Florida  Night-hawk.  Similar  to  C  virginianus  in  color,  but  rather  more 
tawny,  and  decidedly  smaller;  wing  7.00;  tail  4.00.  Florida  to  Texas,  and  southward. 
C.  popetue  minor  Coues,  2d  and  3d  eds.  of  the  Key,  p.  454,  in  which  this  form  was  referred 
to  the  Cuban;  C.  virginianus  minor  Coues,  Birds  N.  W.  1874,  p.  264;  Kidgw.  Man.  1887, 
p.  301  ;  A.  0.  U.  List,  1st  ed.  1886,  No.  [420  ?>.J  ;  Chordiles  popetue  chapmani  Cove^,  ixoxn 
Sennett's  MS.  Auk,  Jan.  1888,  p.  37 ;  Chordeiles  virginianus  chapmani  Scott,  Auk,  Apr. 
1888,  p.  186;  Coues,  Key,  4th  ed.  1890,  p.  903;  A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  420  6. 
C.  acutipen'nis  texen'sis.  (Lat.  aeutus,  acute ;  penna,  a  feather :  alluding  to  the  sharp- 
pointed  wings.  Of  Texas:  our  bird  a  northern  race  of  the  S.  Am.  species.)  Texas  Night- 
hawk.  Smaller  than  the  common  Night-hawk,  and  otherwise  very  distinct.  General  tone 
lighter,  pattern  more  blended  and  diffuse,  more  as  in  Antrostomus.  Adult  ^:  Assuming 
upper  parts  gray,  this  color  intimately  punctate  with  lighter  and  darker  shades,  more  boldly 
marked  with  blackish,  chiefly  in  streaks,  and  with  tawny  and  white,  largest  on  scapulars  and 
wing-coverts.  Under  parts  barred,  as  in  virginianus,  with  blackish,  tawp.y,  and  whitisli,  but 
the  two  former  prevailing.  A  large  white  V  on  throat.  Four  outer  primaries  with  large  white 
spot  on  both  webs,  nearer  tip  than  bend  of  wing ;  inner  primaries  and  all  secondaries  spotted 
with  tawny  in  broken  bars.  Tail  blackish,  with  broken  gray  or  tawny  bars,  and  a  complete 
subterminal  cross-bar  of  white  on  all  the  feathers  but  the  central  pair.  9  lacking  this  white, 
all  the  tail-feathers  being  motley-barred  with  gray  and  tawny  throughout  ;  primaries  all 
spotted  with  tawny,  larger  spots  of  this  color  replacing  the  white  of  the  ^;  throat- V  tawny. 
Young  more  suffused  with  tawny  on  a  pearly-gray,  black-speckled  ground  ;  but  young  ^  with 
wliite  tail-  and  wing-spots  from  the  first.  Length  8.00-9.00;  extent  20.00-22.00 ;  wing  about 
7.00  ;  tail  4.00  or  more.  Southwestern  U.  S.,  valleys  of  the  Rio  Grande  and  Colorado,  Texas  to 
California,  and  southward  in  winter  to  Central  America ;  N.  in  summer  over  the  borders  of 
Utah  and  Nevada,  and  in  California  to  lat.  38° ;  E.  occasionally  to  the  Mississippi  valley  in 
Louisiana;  common,  in  some  places  as  abundant  as  C.  virginianus,  whose  general  habits  and 
traits  it  shares,  though  the  diflFerence  in  appearance  between  the  two  is  obvious  when  they  are 
flying.  This  species  comes  over  our  borders  in  April,  breeds  May,  June,  and  July,  and  leaves 
in  October.  Eggs  2,  laid  on  the  ground,  subelliptical,  averaging  1.05  X  0.75,  but  varying 
over  0.20  in  length,  profusely  and  minutely  marbled  and  veined  with  various  dark  tints,  but 
the  general  effect  decidedly  lighter  in  tone  than  that  of  the  eggs  of  C.  virginianus. 

Suborder  HALCYONES:   Halcyoniform  Birds. 

See  p.  540  for  analytical  characters  of  this  suborder,  as  framed  to  include  the  five  families 
BucerotidcB,  Alcedinidte,  Momotida,  Todidce,  and  MeropidcB.  The  first  and  last  of  these  are 
exclusively  Old  World ;  the  second  is  chiefly  Old  World,  with  one  American  genus ;  the  third 


A  L  CEDINTD.  E :   KINGFISHER S. 


571 


is  Neotropical,  the  fourth  Antilloun.  The  suborder  is  less  compact  than  most  others  oi  Pica- 
rice,  and  includes  birds  of  such  extremely  dissimilar  external  appearance  as  the  tiny  Todies,  no 
larger  than  some  Hummingbirds,  of  dainty  aspect  and  brilliant  plumage,  and  the  great  gaunt 
ungainly  Hornbills,  witli  their  monstrous  beaks  and  sombre  or  sordid  hues.  The  feet  are  ani- 
sodactylous,  with  three  toes  in  front  and  one  behind  (anomalous  exception  in  t\vo3-toed  genera 
of  Kingfishers,  lacking  the  2d  digit),  and  more  or  less  perfectly  syndactylous,  having  the  anterior 
toes  united  for  some  distance  in  a  single 
flat  fleshy  sole.  They  are  also  sympel- 
mous  by  blending  of  the  flexor  tendons 
of  the  toes,  whereof  the  hallu.x  is  sup- 
plied by  a  slip  from  the  flexor  digitorum 
perforans,  not  from  the  flexor  hallucis. 
The  spinal  pteryla  is  well  defined  and 
not  branched  over  the  slioulders,  and 
the  ventral  tract  has  an  open  space.  The 
palate  is  desmognathous  in  the  five 
families,  and  in  none  of  them  are  there 
basi})terygoids  ;  the  sternum  is  usually 
4-notched  or  4-fenestrate  except  Buce- 
rotidfe.      The   oil-gland   aud   c*ca   are  f.g.  3S7.- Head  of  bi,k -...:.  ...-bin,  nat.  size. 

variable  in  the  several  families.  The  myological  formula  is  A  X  Y  (except  in  Alcedinidcp, 
where  it  is  A  X,  as  in  Troyonidcc),  the  fenK>rocaudal,  semitendinosus  and  its  accessory  present, 
but  accessory  femorocaudal  absent,  like  tlie  ambiens.  The  plumage  is  aftershafted  in  Momo- 
tidce  and  Meropidce.  The  rectrices  are  oftenest  12,  often  10.  The  most  peculiar  family  is  the 
Bucerotidce,  which  some  authors  set  apart  in  a  group  by  itself;  its  relationships  appear  to  be 
with  the  Uimpce. 


[Family  MOMOTID^:   Sawbills. 

Feet  syndactylous  by  cohesion  of  third  and  fourth  toes  (p.  I'-i'i);  tomia  serrate.  Plumage 
aftershafted.  No  ceeca.  Two  carotids.  Sternum  4-fenestrate.  Rectrices  \'2  {\i)  \\\  Baryph- 
thenyus),  as  a  rule  the  middh;  pair  elongated  and  more  or  less  spatulate.  A  small  family  of 
tropical  American  birds,  comprising  about  Id  species  of  7  genera,  none  luiving  riglitful  place 
here  :  Imt  Momotus  cceruleiceps  (fig.  387)  comes  near  our  border,  and  is  included  to  illustrate 
the  suborder  Halcyones.  In  this  species,  the  central  tail-feathers  are  long-exserted,  and  spatu- 
late by  absence  of  webs  along  a  part  of  the  shaft  —  a  mutilation  which  is  naturally  progressive 
in  this  family,  and  may  be  facilitated  or  expedited  by  the  birds  tliemselves  ;  bill  is  about  as  long 
as  iiead,  gently  curved  ;  nostrils  rounded,  basal,  exposed  ;  wings  short  and  rounded;  tarsi  scu- 
tellate  anteriorly-  Color  greenisli,  with  top  nf  head  blue,  encircled  with  black  ;  long  auriculars 
black,  and  a  bnuch  of  Idack,  or  l)iue  aud  black,  feathers  on  breast;  middle  tail-featliers  blue 
toward  ends,  witli  l)la(k  tips.  Length  14  00-15.00;  wing  5.50;  tail  8.00  or  more;  bill  1.50. 
Mexico,  N.  to  Nuevi>  Leou.] 


Family   ALCEDINID^  :    Kingfishers. 

Feet  syndactylous  hy  cohesion  of  third  and  fourth  toes  (p.  135,  fig.  44);  tomia  simple  (or 
sliiihtly  serrulate).  Plumage  not  aftershafted.  No  cseca.  Two  carotids.  Tufted  oil-gland 
(t'xcei)t  some  of  Tanysiptera).  Sternum  4-notch(tl.  IVill  long,  large,  straight,  acute  (rarely 
hooked);    somewhat  "  fissirostral,"  the  gape  being  deep  aud  wide.     Tongue  rudimentary  or 


572  SYSTEMA  TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  PICARIjE  —  HALCYONES. 

very  small  (lipoglossine).  Nostrils  basal,  reached  by  frontal  feathers.  Feet  very  small  and 
weak,  scarcely  or  not  ambulatorial ;  tibiae  naked  below;  tarsi  extremely  short,  reticulate  in 
front;  hallux  short,  flattened  underneath,  its  sole  more  or  less  continuous  with  sole  of  inner 
toe;  soles  of  outer  and  middle  toe  in  common  for  at  least  half  their  length;  inner  toe  always 
short,  rudimentary,  or  wanting  (in  two  genera,  Ceyx  and  Alcyone — -an  abnormal  modification). 
Developed  toes  always  with  normal  ratio  of  phalanges  (2,  3,  4,  5;  p.  133);  middle  claw  not 
serrate.  Wings  long,  of  10  primaries.  Tail  of  12  rectrices  (only  10  in  the  racket-tailed 
Tanysijitera)  variable  in  shape.     Two  subfamilies  ;  all  Old  World  excepting  one  genus. 

"The  Kingfishers  form  a  very  natural  family  of  the  great  Picarian  order,  and  are  alike 
remarkable  for  their  brilliant  coloration  and  for  the  variety  of  curious  and  aberrant  forms  wliich 
are  included  within  their  number.  .  .  .  '  Their  characteristic  habit  is  to  sit  motionless  watching 
for  their  prey,  to  dart  after  it  and  seize  it  on  the  wing,  and  to  return  to  tlieir  original  position 
to  swallow  it.'  .  .  .  The  Alcedlnidce  nest  in  holes  and  lay  white  eggs.  It  is,  however,  to  be 
remarked  that,  in  accordance  with  a  modification  of  the  habits  of  the  various  genera,  a  corre- 
sponding modification  has  taken  place  in  the  mode  of  nidification,  the  piscivorous  section  of 
the  family  nesting  for  the  most  part  in  holes  in  tlie  banks  of  streams,  while  the  insectivorous 
section  of  the  family  generally  nest  in  the  holes  of  trees,  not  necessarily  in  the  vicinity  of  water." 
(Sharpe.) 

One  would  gain  an  imperfect  or  erroneous  idea  of  the  family  to  judge  of  it  by  the  American 
fragment,  of  one  genus  and  6  or  8  species.  According  to  the  author  of  the  splendid  monograph 
above  cited,  there  are  in  all  125  species,  belonging  to  19  genera.  They  are  very  unequally  dis- 
tributed. Ceryle  alone  is  nearly  cosmopolitan,  absent  only  from  the  Australian  region ;  the 
northern  portion  of  the  Old  World  has  only  2  peculiar  species ;  3  genera  and  24  species  are  char- 
acteristic of  the  Ethiopian  region  :  one  genus  and  25  species  are  confined  to  the  Indian  ;  while 
no  less  than  10  genera  and  59  species  are  peculiar  to  the  Australian.  The  species  are  now 
known  to  be  over  150  in  number,  but  this  increase  does  not  materially  affect  the  items  just 
given  regarding  their  distribution.  In  the  subfamily  DacelonincE,  which  contains  a  majority  of 
the  genera  and  species,  the  bill  is  more  or  less  depressed,  with  smooth,  rounded,  or  sulcate  cul- 
men;  and  these  birds  are  hardly  "  fishers,''  kingly  or  otherwise,  for  they  live  in  the  woods  and 
are  mainly  insectivorous.  The  largest  genus  is  Halcyon,  with  over  oO  species.  The  next 
largest  is  Tanysiptera,  containing  the  20  racket-tailed  species  ;  Ceyx  has  nearly  as  many  3-toed 
species ;  one  of  the  most  notable  birds  of  the  subfamily  is  the  Laugliing  Jackass  of  Australia, 
Dacelo  gigas.     In  the 

Subfamily  ALCEDININ/E,    Piscivorous  Kingfishers, 

the  bill  is  compressed,  with  carinate  culmen.  Ceryle  is  the  only  American  genus,  with  3  North 
American  species,  others  in  South  America,  and  several  more  in  Europe,  Asia,  and  Africa.  The 
other  Old  World  genera  are  Pelargopsis,  Alcedo,  CorytJiornis,  and  Ceyx,  the  latter  3-toed. 
The  Alcedinince  are  all  thoroughly  aquatic  and  piscivorous,  seeking  their  prey  by  plunging  into 
the  water  from  on  wing ;  and  nest  in  holes  in  banks,  laying  numerous  white  eggs. 
CE'KYLE.  (Gr.  KripvKos,  keridos,  a  kingfisher.)  Belted  Kingfishers.  Head  with  an 
occipital  crest.  Bill  longer  than  head,  straight,  stout,  acute.  Wings  long  and  pointed.  Tail 
rather  long  and  broad  (in  comparison  with  some  genera),  much  shorter  than  wing.  Tarsi 
short;  legs  naked  above  tibio-tarsal  joint.     Plumage  belted  below. 

Analysis  of  Subgenera  a7id  Species. 

Streptocertlb.     Large,  with  small  feet ;  upper  parts  dull  bluish. 

Wing  over  7.00,  bill  over  3.00.     Under  parts  mostly  rufous.     Texas  .....,,     ^     .,    ...    •     torquata 
Wing  under  7.00,  bill  under  3  00.     Under  parts  mostly  white.     N   Am. alcyon 

Chloroceryle.     Small,  with  large  feet.     Upper  parts  glossy  greenish. 

Wing  under  4.00,  bill  under  2.00.     Under  parts  mostly  white americana  septenlrionahs 


ALCEDINID^  —  AL CEDINIJSlyE :   KINGFISHER S. 


573 


(Subgenus   Streptoceryle.) 

C.  (S.)  torqua'ta.  (hat.  torqtmte,  collared.)  Collared  Kingfisher.  ''Ringed"  King- 
fisher. Great  Kufous-bellied  Kingfisher.  Resembling  the  common  species,  but 
much  larger  and  utlierwise  different.  Adult  ^  :  Above,  ashy-blue,  streaked  with  black,  espe- 
cially on  the  head ;  a  white  collar  around  the  back  of  the  neck.  Tail-feathers  with  transverse 
white  spots,  but  none  on  outer  webs  of  {)rimaries  toward  their  bases.  Below,  mostly  rich  ru- 
fous, the  throat  and  vent  only  white  (no  dark  pectoral  band  as  in  C  alcyon).  Adult  9: 
Rufous  of  under  parts  e.xtendiug  on  the  crissum,  and  a  dark  bluish  breast-band.  Very  large: 
Length  about  16.00;  wing  7.50;  bill  over  3.00.  A  well-known  species  of  tropical  America, 
casually  N.  to  the  Rio  Grande  of  Texas  (Laredo,  June  2,  1888,  specimen  in  Mus.  Acad. 
I'liilada.).  Stone,  Auk,  Apr.  1894,  p.  177;  A.  O.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  [,'390.  1]. 
C.  (S.)  arcyon.  (Lat.  alcyon,  a  kingfislior.  Fig.  388.)  Belted  Kingfisher.  Upper 
parts,  broad  pectoral  bar,  and  sides  under  wings,  dull  blue  with  tine  black  shaft-lines.  Lower 
eyelid,  spot  before  eye,  a  cervical  collar  and  under  parts  except  as  said,  pure  white ;  9  "'it'' 
chestnut  belly-band  and  sides  of  the  same  color.  Quills  and  tail-feathers  black,  speckled, 
!dotche<l  or  barred  on  inner 
webs  with  wliite;  outer  webs 
of  secondaries  and  tail-feath- 
ers like  back  ;  wing-coverts 
frequently  sprinkled  with 
white.  Bill  black,  pale  at 
base  below.  Feet  dark ; 
tibia}  naked  below.  A  long, 
tliin,  pointed  occipital  crest; 
plumage  comjiact  and  oily 
to  resist  water,  into  which 
the  birds  constantly  plunge 
after  their  finny  prey. 
Leiii^nh  12.00-1.3.00;  extent 
2l.()()-23.()0:  wing  6.00- 
6.50;  tail  3.50--5.()();  whole 
foot  l..'^3;  culmeu  1.75-2.25. 
X.  Am.,  common  every- 
where, resident  or  only 
forced  Sfuithward  by  freez- 
ing of  the  waters.  This  fine 
bird,  whose  loud  rattling 
notes  are  as  familiar  sounds 
along  our  streams  as  tlie 
noise  of  the  mill-dam  or  the 
machinery,  burrows  to  tlie  depth  of  6  or  8  feet  in  the  ground,  and  lays  as  many  crystal  white 
subsplieroidal  eggs,  1.35  X  1.05,  at  the  enlarged  extremity  of  the  tunnel.  Although  tisli  ftirms 
tiie  main  fare,  tliis  bird  shows  its  family  traits  by  devouring  many  other  animals,  as  small 
snakes,  lizanis,  frogs,  toads,  crawfish,  grasshoppers,  crickets,  beetles,  etc.  I  have  often  i*eoii 
it  away  from  water  in  the  West,  where  no  fish  could  be  had.  The  situation  of  the  burrow  in 
the  face  of  cut-iianks  of  earth  is  more  constant  tlian  its  dimensions;  sometimes  the  eggs  can 
almost  be  reached  at  arm's  lengtli,  and  again  they  may  be  three  to  five  yards  under  ground. 
Tlie  usual  diameter  of  the  hole  will  hardly  admit  the  arm,  but  tlie  farther  end  of  the  burrow 
i.s  pocketed  to  a  diameter  of  8  or  10  inchts.     Tliirf  is  no  true  nest,  but  the  eggs  are  usually 


Fio.  388.  —  BeUe<l   KiiiKfislier. 


574 


SYSTEMA  TIC   SYNOPSIS. —PICARLE—  TROGONES. 


found  on  a  layer  of  fish-hones  and  scales.  The  eggs  are  oftenest  6  or  8  in  numher,  as  said, 
sometimes  only  5,  and  again  12  or  more  may  he  found  in  a  nest.  Some  large  specimens  are 
nearly  1.50,  and  some  runts  only  1.20  in  length;  but  the  hreadth  is  more  constant,  and  the 
shape  thus  extremely  variable.  Cock-burrows  are  sometimes  made  by  the  $ ,  and  the  holes 
of  Swallows  are  sometimes  enlarged  to  suit  the  Kingfisher. 


(Subgenus  Chloroceryle.) 

C.  amerioa'na  septentriona'lis.  (Lat.  American. 
Lat.  Northern,  with  reference  to  the  northerly  subspe- 
cies of  the  tropical  American  stock  form.)  Texan 
Green  Kingfisher.  Adult  9  '■  Entire  upper  parts 
dark  glossy-green,  with  bronze  lustre,  the  bases  of 
nearly  all  the  feathers  suovA-y-wliite,  which  appears 
sometimes  upon  the  surface ;  crown,  scapulars,  and 
wing-coverts  superficially  sprinkled  with  white.  Wing- 
quills  dusky  on  inner  webs,  green  on  the  outer,  both 
marked  in  regular  double  series  with  pairs  of  white 
spots,  scallops,  or  bars.  Central  tail-feathers  dark 
green,  usually  touched  with  white  along  the  edges,  the 
others  green  with  white  bars  becoming  confluent  at  the 
bases  of  the  feathers,  where  forming  white  spaces  more 
extensive  than  the  green  portion.  Cervical  collar  and 
entire  under  parts  white;  breast  with  a  dark  green 
band,  the  belly,  sides,  and  crissum  spotted  with  glossy- 
green.  Bill  black,  usually  light  at  base  below ;  feet 
dark.  Adult  ^  differs  in  having  no  green  spots  across 
belly  and  rufous  instead  of  green  breast-band.  Young  ^ 
has  rusty  tinge  ou  breast.  Length  about  8.00;  wing 
3.2.5-3.50;  tail  2.50;  bill  1.67-1.87;  whole  foot  1.00, 
with  relatively  longer  tarsus  than  in  either  of  the  fore- 
gcjing.  Valleys  of  the  Lower  Rio  Grande  and  Lower 
Colorado,  and  southward  to  Panama ;  common  and  resi- 
dent in  some  parts  of  Texas,  where  it  breeds.  I  saw  it  in 
Arizona  on  the  Colorado,  in  1865.  Nesting  substantially 
as  in  C.  alcyon;  eggs  4-6,  very  thin  and  smooth,  like 
porcelain,  rounded  oval,  0.90-1.00  X  0.70-0.75.  This 
is  C.  americana  and  C.  cabanisi  of  writers  referring  to 
the  northern  form,  wliich  seems  to  difi'er  mainly  in  the 
larger  bill.  C.  americana  cabanisi  of  former  eds.  of  the 
Key,  1872-90.  C.  cabanisi  A.  0.  U.  List,  1st  ed.  1886, 
]i.  209.  C.  americana  septentrionalis  Sharpe,  Cat.  B. 
Brit.  Mus.  xvii,  1892,  p.  134;  A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed. 
1895,  No.  391. 

Suborder  TROGONES :   Trogons. 
Or   HETERODACTYLI:    see  p.  541,  for  princi- 


Fig.  389.  —  r'ara.liN..  Tmi^on,  or  Quesal 
(Phnromncrus  mociniiu),  (J,  $.  (From 
Michelet.) 


pal  analytical  characters  in  comparison  with  other  sub- 
orders of  Picarics.  These  birds  are  unique,  not  only  in  tlieir  suborder  but  in  the  class  Aves,  in 
the  disposition  of  the  digits  and  their  flexor  tendons.     They  are  yoke-toed,  having  the  toes 


TROGONID.E:    TROGONS.  bib 

two  before  and  two  behind,  and  thus  apparently  zygodactylous,  but  in  a  peculiar  way ;  for  the 
1st  and  2d  digits  point  backward,  the  3d  and  4th  forward.  This  arrangement  is  called  hetero- 
dacti/lons,  and  it  is  furilier  pronounced  in  the  disposition  of  the  flexor  hallucis,  which  supplies 
both  hind  toes,  the  flexor  digitorum  supplying  the  front  toes,  by  the  arrangement  known  as 
heteropehnous.  The  inyological  formula  is  A  X,  as  in  the  Kingfishers ;  that  is,  the  femoro- 
caudal  and  semitendinosus  are  both  present,  but  their  respective  accessories  absent,  as  is  also 
the  ambiens.  The  palate  is  schizognathous ;  basipterygoids  are  present.  The  sternum  is 
4-notched  ;  oil-gland  nude,  but  caeca  present ;  one  carotid.  General  pterylosis  passerine ; 
spinal  tract  unbrauched ;  aftershafts  very  long;  rectrices  12.  One  family,  of  warm  parts  of 
both  hemispheres. 

Family  TROGONID^ :   Trogons. 

Heterodactyloiis  and  heteropehnous  PicaricB  (see  above).  Feet  very  small  and  weak,  un- 
fitted for  progression ;  the  birds  perch  in  wait  and  dart  into  the  air  for  their  prey,  somewhat 
like  Flycatchers,  whether  their  food  be  insects  or  fruits.  Bill  short  and  stout,  with  hooked 
tip  usually  dentate  or  denticulate  on  the  tomia,  its  base  more  or  less  hidden  by  appressed  an- 
trorse  feathers,  and  further  garnished  with  bristles.  Wings  short  and  rounded.  Tail  long, 
of  12  broad  feathers  (in  one  genus  with  extraordinary  development  of  the  upper  coverts  in 
the  (^).  General  plumage  soft  and  lax,  of  gorgeous  coloration,  well  aftershafted  ;  skin  tender; 
eyelids  lashed.  No  subfamilies  need  be  recognized  in  this  compact  group  of  nearly  or  quite  50 
species  ;  but  the  genera  are  several.  The  most  splendid  of  these  is  Fharomacnis,  with  4  spe- 
cies of  Central  and  South  America,  as  P.  mocinno,  the  famous  Quesal  or  Paradise  bird,  as 
large  as  a  Magpie,  with  the  glitter  of  a  Hummingbird,  and  a  long  flowing  traiu  which  a  Pea- 
cock might  envy,  if  grace  to  be  tasteful  as  well  as  showy  were  given  that  proud  bird.  A 
Mexican  Trogon  is  Buptiloti!^  neojcemts.  The  Cuban  is  Prionotclus  temnurus ;  the  Haitian 
is  Tmetotrorfon  (or  Tenuiotrogon)  rhodogaster.  The  African  Trogons  are  three  species  of  the 
genus  Hapaloderma,  as  H.  narina.  Those  of  the  Orient  are  more  numerous  species  of 
the  genera  Harpactes  aud  HapKdarpactes.  The  remaining  s{)ecies  of  the  family  belong  to  the 
genus 

TROtiON.  (Gr.  rpwycoi/,  a  gnawer :  alluding  to  the  dentate  bill.)  Toothed  Trogox.s. 
Tiie  leading  genus  of  the  family  in  number  of  species,  about  25,  all  American,  one  of  them 
reaching  our  borders.  In  all  these  the  bill  is  dentate  as  well  as  hooked  at  the  end,  and  the 
sexes  ditfer  in  tlie  coloration  of  the  middle  tail-feathers. 

T.  ambi'guus.  (Lat.  ambiguous,  equivocal,  as  doubtfully  distinct  from  T.  mexicanus ;  but  it 
is  a  perfectly  good  species.  Fig.  390.)  Copper-tailed  Trogon.  Adult  $  :  Above,  metal- 
lic green,  glancing  g(dden,  bronzy  or  coppery ;  middle  tail-feathers  -,-»-■-.■ 
the  latter,  broadly  black  tipped;  outer  tail-feathers  white  for  a  long 
space,  but  mostly  vermiculated  with  narrow  black  zigzags;  wing- 
coverts  and  inner  quills  finely  undulated  with  black  and  white  :  pri- 
maries fuscous,  with  light  edging.  Front  and  sides  of  1m  ad  blackish  : 
breast  like  back,  with  a  pure  white  band;  rest  of  under  jtarts  rich 
red-carmine,  scarlet,  or  vermilion.  Length  about  11.50;  wing  5.25; 
tail  ().75.  9  :  Urown  where  the  $  is  green,  gray  where  he  is  black, 
the  middle  tail-feathers  quite  rufous.  Young  birds  vary  interminably  f,o  390.  —  Head  of  Cop- 
in  acquiring  the  coloration  of  the  adults.  Mexico  to  the  U.  S.  bor-  per-taiied  Trogon,  uat.  size, 
der,  in  the  lower  Rio  Grande  valley  of  Texas,  in  New  Mexico,  and  in  Arizona.  It  is  a  regular 
summer  visitant  in  the  mountains  of  southern  Arizona,  and  breeds  there  in  June;  it  has  been 
ob.served  from  May  to  Aujjust,  and  young  birds  liave  been  taken,  but  the  nest  and  eggs  remain 
to  be  discovered  (IKMj). 


576  SYSTEMA  TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  PICARI.E  — PICI. 


Suborder  PICI :   Piciform  Birds. 

See  p.  541  for  analytical  characters  of  this  group,  as  framed  to  include  the  six  families  : 
Picidce,  Indicator  idee,  Capitonidce  (or  Megalcemidie),  Rhamphastidce,  Galbulidce,  and  Bucconidce. 
The  name  '^Pici'^  here  adopted  for  the  suborder  is  not  a  happy  one,  because  it  is  so  closely 
identified  with  a  particular  one  of  the  six  families,  and  because  it  is  not  equivalent  to  the 
Pidfonnes  of  former  editit>ns  of  the  Key,  which  included  only  the  Picidcc  (with  Picumnidce 
and  lyngidie,  now  reduced  to  subfamilies).  But  I  find  no  more  eligible  name  ;  for  the  same 
objections  apply  to  the  Picoidecu  of  Dr.  Stejneger.  The  Celeomorph(S  of  Huxley  would 
cover  the  case  better,  but  by  common  consent  the  peculiar  terminology  of  this  great  scientist 
is  rejected.  The  name  Scansores  in  a  new  restricted  sense  is  adopted  for  exactly  this  group 
in  the  British  Museum  Catalogues;  but  only  one  of  the  families  of  the  suborder  as  now 
framed  is  strictly  "  scansorial,"  and  the  c(ninotations  of  the  antique  term  Scansores  are  so 
wild  and  vague  that  its  imposition  upon  any  modern  scientific  group  seems  to  me  highly 
objectionable.  With  tliis  explanation,  I  avail  myself  of  the  makeshift  name  Pici  in  the 
present  connection. 

Pici  are  a  less  homogeneous  group  than  most  Picarian  suborders,  being  in  this  respect 
about  as  heterogeneous  as  Coracicc  and  Halci/ones.  But  these  birds  must  go  somewhere,  and 
may  well  be  brought  under  one  superfamily  or  subordinal  group,  as  they  agree  in  certain  im- 
portant structural  characters,  however  diverse  they  are  in  external  features  and  physiological 
adaptations  to  difi'erent  modes  of  life.  Little  given  to  climl)ing  as  are  the  birds  of  most  of 
these  Piciform  families,  yet  they  agree  to  a  dot  in  the  actual  structure  of  the  feet,  being  all 
antiopelmous  as  well  as  zygodactylous.  The  flexor  digitorum  profundus  or  perforans  has  but 
a  single  tendon,  which  supplies  the  3d  digit  (outer  one  of  the  two  anterior  ones),  while  the 
proper  flexor  hallueis  supplies  the  other  digits  by  Tneans  of  three  slips  (two  if  the  hallux 
proper  is  missing,  as  it  is  in  five  genera  of  Picidte),  besides  sending  a  slip  to  the  other  flexor. 
The  myological  formula  always  includes  a  semitendinosus  and  usually  also  its  accessory  (not 
in  PicidfE  proper).  The  pahite  is  variable  (with  a  special  modification  in  the  case  of  Picidte). 
The  sternum  and  tensor  patagii  brevis  are  characteristi(; ;  the  carotids  are  not,  neither  is  the 
oil-gland  nor  the  caeca.  '  Evidences  of  passerine  affinity  are  found  in  the  reducti(m  or  tendency 
to  reduction  in  extent  of  the  wing-coverts  (except  in  Bucconidce),  reduction  of  the  primaries  to 
10  with  the  first  spurious  {Picidce)  or  even  to  9  (Indicaloridce) ;  the  rectrices  are  12  or  10  indif- 
ferently, even  in  the  same  family  {Indicatorida;^"~Gra:lh->4Mdcc).  The  bill  varies  with  the  families 
(peculiar  in  Picidce,  enormous  in  Illuiniphastidcp,  teuuirostral  in  Galbulidce,  etc.).  Referring 
again  to  the  tabular  exhibit  of  the  six  families  on  pages  541,  542,  I  pass  to  the  only  one  repre- 
sented in  North  America. 


Family  PICID.^  :   "Woodpeckers,  Piculets,  "Wrynecks. 

Anomalogonatous  antiopelmous  zygodactylous  Picarice,  with  saurognathous  palate  and  of 
scansorial  habits.  (Degradation  of  the  families  Pjcwmmfte  and  lyngidce,  as  given  in  former 
editions  of  the  Key,  to  rank  as  subfamilies  Picumnince  and  Tyngince  of  one  family  Picidce  makes 
the  latter  equivalent  to  my  former  Piciformes,  and  my  former  Picidce  to  my  present  Picince.) 
This  is  a  large  but  well-defined  and  perfectly  circumscribed  family,  found  in  most  parts  of  the 
world,  and  well  represented  in  North  America.  In  the  antiopelmous  structure  of  the  flexor 
tendons  the  Picidce  agree  perfectly  with  the  other  families  of  their  suborder.  Regarding  their 
zygodactylisin,  it  is  perfect,  with  the  anomalous  and  sporadic  omission  of  a  hind  toe  in  five 
genera  otherwise  intimately  related  in  their  respective  subfamilies  ;  among  the  Picince  the  four 


PICID.E  -  PICIN.E:    WOODPECKERS.  oil 

genera  Picoides.  Gauropicoides,  Gecinulus,  and  Tiga  are  ."{-toed  by  lack  of  hallux  ;  iu  Picum- 
nime,  the  .single  genus  Sasia  is  iu  like  case.  In  palatal  characters  the  Picidce  exhibit  "  a 
simplification  and  degradation  of  the  a'githognathous  structure,"  as  Huxley  puts  it,  and  this 
condition  is  called  by  Parker  "  saurognathous."  Saurognatiiisni  consists  essentially  in  lack  of 
fusion  of  parts  along  the  midline  ;  the  vomer  is  double,  in  permanently  paired  halves,  i.  e.  there 
are  two  vomers,  attached  on  tiieir  respective  sides  to  the  small  palatines,  and  the  maxillopala- 
tiues  are  abortive.  The  sahvary  glands  are  higiily  dcvchnu'd,  and  the  hyoidean  apparatus  is 
j)eculiar  (less  so  in  one  or  two  genera  o{  Picina').  There  is  no  urcjhyal  bone,  the  ceratohyals 
are  small  and  fused  or  fusible  together,  the  basihyal  is  slender,  and  as  a  rule  the  enormously 
developed  thyrohyals  are  jointed  in  two  pieces  which  curl  up  over  tlie  skull;  tliis  is  the  mecha- 
nism, by  which  as  actuated  by  corresi)ondingly  specialized  hyoidean  muscles,  tlie  long  lumbrici- 
form  tongu(!  can  be  tlirnst  far  out  of  the  mouth.  Only  the  left  carotid  is  present ;  the  oil-gland 
is  tufted  and  there  are  no  caica.  The  whole  pterylosis  exhibits  passerine  affinities  uumis- 
taUahly  ;  thus,  the  secondary  coverts  are  short,  as  in  Passeres  ;  the  first  priuiary  is  short  or 
s|)urious,  leaving  only  9  functionally  well  developed;  and  the  rectrices  are  12,  though  one  pair 
be  spurious.  The  bill  varies  to  a  considerable  extent  iu  the  different  subfamilies  and  genera, 
without  losing  its  (hstinctive  ciiaracter  as  a  hammer,  cliisel,  or  gouge.  The  himily  is  well  i 
divided,  according  to  the  stnu-tinc  of  the  tail  and  other  characters,  into  three  subfamilies,  so  ^ 
well  marked  that  I  reluctantly  now  relegate  them  to  one  family.  The  Old  World  lyngina;  or 
Wrynecks,  of  one  genus  and  about  G  species,  have  the  tail  soft,  and  other  ])eculiarities.  The 
J'iciimnitue  or  Piculets  are  also  soft  tailed,  and  in  general  superficialities  resemble  Nuthatches 
(|uitc  curiously.  Most  of  these  diminutive  birds  are  Neotropical,  there  being  about  20  species 
in  South  America;  a  few  are  Oriental,  among  them  the  3-toed  species  of  Sasia  ;  one  is  Ethi- 
opian (  Verreauxia  africana) ;  one  Antilleau  (Nesoctites  micromegas) ;  the  total  of  the  species 
is  about  40,  mostly  of  the  genus  Picumnns.     All  the  North  American  Picidce  belong  to  the 


Subfamily  PICIN/E:   Woodpeckers. 

Tail-feathers  rigid,  acuviimite ;  hill  a  chisel.  This  expression  will  serve  for  the  recognition 
of  any  Woodpecker.  Wing  of  10  primaries;  1st  short  or  even  spurious,  the  wing-formula 
being  (juite  as  in  most  passerine  birds — a  Crow  or  Thrush,  for  example.  Greater  row  of 
secondary  coverts  short,  as  in  passerine  birds  at  large.  Tail  of  12  rectrices,  but  outermost 
pair  rudimentary,  lying  concealed  at  base  of  tail  betwem  the  penultimate  (now  exterior)  and 
next  pair,  so  that  there  appear  to  be  but  10,  as  usual  iu  picarian  binls  (a  strong  peculiarity). 
'I'ail-teatliers  very  stiff  and  strong,  with  enlarged  elastic  shafts,  and  acuminate  at  end.  Tarsi 
scutellate  in  front,  on  sides  and  behind  variously  reticulate.  Toes  .strongly  scutellate  on  top. 
Tiu-  usual  ratio  of  toes  is:  1st  (inner  posterior)  shortest;  2d  (inner  anterior)  next  longer; 
.'M  (outer  anterior)  Ioniser:  Ith  (outer  posterior)  loiiirest  of  all  (in  most  typical  species;  iu 
some,  however,  scarcely  or  not  e(|ualling  .'M  in  length).  The  basal  joints  of  the  toes  are 
al)breviated. 

These  l)irds  iuive  been  specially  studied,  with  nuire  or  less  gratifying  success,  by  Malherbe, 
Suudevall,  Cal>anis,  C'assin,  and  more  recently  E.  Hargitt.  The  latter  makes  out  4r>  genera 
and  .'iOH  well-determined  sjiecies,  of  all  [)arts  of  the  world  except  Madagascar,  Australia, 
and  {'(dynesia,  especially  numerous  iu  the  Neotropical  and  Oriental  retjiinis,  less  so  in  Ethi- 
opian, least  .so  in  the  I'ahearctic  ami  Nearctic.  Their  separation  into  minor  groups  has  not 
lieen  agreed  upcm  ;  our  species  have  been  thrown  into  three  <livisions,  which,  however,  I  shall 
not  present,  as  considi'riition  of  exotic  forms  shows  how  the  genera  arc  interr(dated,  and  how 
nice  is  the  i^radation   in   foiiii    between   the   Ivorv-hill  and   the    Flicker,  which  stand  nearly  at 


678  SYSTEMA  TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  PICARLE  —  PICI. 

extremes  of  the  subfamily ;  the  little  diversity  of  which  is  thereby  evident.  One  of  our  genera, 
without  very  obvious  external  peculiarities,  stands  apart  from  the  rest  in  the  character  uf  the 
tongue.  In  ordinary  Picince  tlie  "  horns  "  of  the  tongue  are  extraordinarily  produced  backward, 
as  slender  jointed  bony  rods  curling  up  over  the  skull  behind,  between  the  skin  and  the  bone, 
to  the  eyes  or  even  farther;  these  rods  are  enwrapped  in  highly  developed,  specialized  muscles, 
by  means  of  which  the  birds  thrust  out  the  tongue  sometimes  several  inches  beyond  the  bill 
(lies.  73,  74).  This  is  not  the  case  in  Sphifropicus,  where  the  hyoid  cornua  do  not  extend  be- 
yond the  base  of  the  skull,  and  the  tongue,  consequently,  is  but  little  more  extensible  than  in 
ordinary  birds.  The  tongue  of  Sphyropicus  is  beset  at  the  end  by  numerous  brushy  filaments, 
instead  of  the  few  acute  barbs  commonly  observed  in  the  family.  Tlie  same  or  a  similar  con- 
dition of  the  parts  is  observed  in  Xenopicus.  In  most  of  our  species  the  bill  is  perfectly  straight, 
wide  and  stout  at  the  base,  tapering  regularly  to  a  comjiressed  and  vertically  truncate  tip,  chisel- 
like, and  strengthened  by  sharp  ridges  on  the  side  of  the  upper  mandible  —  an  admirable  tool 
for  cutting  into  trees ;  and  in  all  such,  the  nostrils  are  hidden  by  dense  tufts  of  antrorse  feathers. 
In  others,  like  the  Flicker,  the  bill  is  smooth  and  barely  curved ;  the  tip  is  acute  and  the  nostrils 
are  exposed.  There  is  a  regular  gradation  in  form  between  those  with  the  most  and  the  least 
chisel-like  bills.  The  former  are  more  stocky-bodied  birds,  with  larger  head  in  comparison 
with  the  c(jnstricted  neck,  as  any  one  may  satisfy  himself  by  skinning  a  Pileated  or  Hairy 
Woodpecker,  and  trying  to  pull  the  skin  over  the  head  —  an  operation  which  may  be  performed 
on  a  Flicker.  The  ridges  of  the  bill,  the  bevelling  uf  the  end,  the  nasal  tufts,  and  usually  the 
length  of  the  outer  hind  toe,  are  characters  which  diminish  or  are  lost  together  as  M-e  pass  from 
the  Ivory-bill  extreme  to  the  Flicker  end  of  the  series.  The  claws  are  always  large,  strong, 
sharp,  and  much  curved ;  the  feet  do  not  present  striking  generic  modifications,  except  in  the 
three-toed  genus  Picoides  ;  the  length  of  the  outer  hind  toe  is  the  most  variable  factor.  The 
wings  are  specially  noteworthy  for  the  shortness  of  the  coverts,  in  exception  to  the  picarian 
rule;  and  the  shortness  of  the  first  primary,  which  may  fairly  he  called  spurious  ;  but  these 
points  and  the  remarkable  character  of  the  tail  have  been  already  mentioned.  This  member 
oflers  indispensable  assistance  in  climbing,  when  the  stiff  strong  quills  are  pressed  against  the 
tree,  and  form  a  secure  sujiport.  To  this  end,  the  muscles  are  highly  devehtped,  and  the  last 
bone  (vomer  or  pujgostyle)  is  large  and  peculiar  in  shape.  Woodpeckers  rarely  if  ever  climb 
head  downward,  like  Nuthatches,  nor  are  the  tarsi  applied  to  their  support. 

Species  are  abundant  in  all  the  wooded-  portion  of  this  country,  and  wherever  found  are 
nearly  resident.  For,  although  insectivorous,  they  feed  principally  upon  dormant  or  at  least 
stationary  insects,  and  therefore  need  not  migrate  ;  they  are,  moreover,  hardy  birds.  They  dig 
insects  and  their  larvfe  out  of  trees,  and  are  eminently  beneficial  to  the  agriculturist  and  fruit- 
grower. Contrary  to  a  prevalent  impression,  their  boring  does  not  seem  to  injure  fruit-trees, 
which  may  be  riddled  with  holes  without  harmful  result.  The  number  of  noxious  insects  these 
birds  destroy  is  simply  incalculable;  what  little  fruit  some  of  them  steal  is  not  to  be  mentioned 
in  the  same  connection,  and  they  deserve  the  good-will  of  all.  The  birds  of  the  genus  Spiliy- 
ropicus  are  probably  an  exception  to  most  of  these  statements.  But  Woodpeckers  also  feed 
largely  upon  nuts,  berries,  and  other  fruits;  and  those  which  thus  vary  their  fare  to  the  greatest 
extent  are  apt  to  be  more  or  less  migratory,  like  the  common  Red-head  for  example.  Wood- 
peckers nest  in  holes  in  trees,  which  they  excavate  for  themselves,  sometimes  to  a  great  depth, 
and  lay  numerous  rounded  pure  white  eggs,  of  which  the  shell  has  a  smooth  crystalline  texture 
like  porcelain,  on  the  chips  and  dust  at  the  bottom  of  the  hole.  The  voice  is  loud  and  harsh, 
susceptible  of  little  modulation.  The  plumage  as  a  rule  presents  bright  colors  in  large  areas 
or  in  striking  contrasts,  and  is  sometimes  highly  lustrous.  The  sexes  are  ordinarily  distin- 
guishable by  color-markings ;  the  young  either  show  sexual  characters  from  the  nest,  or  have 
special  markings  of  their  own. 


PICID.E  —  PICIN.E:    WOODPECKERS.  579 

Artificial  Analysis  of  X.  A.  Getifra  of  Picklw. 

Toes  3 Picoides 

Toes  4. 

Tongue  not  decidedly  extensible. 

Body  entirely  black ;  head  white Xenopicus 

Body  variegated  ;  head  not  white Sp/iyropicus 

Tongue  very  extensible. 

Conspicuously  crested  ;  much  over  a  foot  long. 

I'.ill  white  ;  outer  hind  toe  longer  than  outer  front  toe Campfphilus 

Bill  dark  ;  outer  hind  toe  not  longer  than  outer  front  toe Ceophliius 

Not  crested  ;  a  foot  long  or  less 

Sides  of  upper  mandible  distinctly  ridged  ;  wings  spotted Dryobales 

Sides  of  upper  mandible  indistinctly  or  not  ridged. 

Back  lustrous  green  ;  belly  carmine Asipidesmus 

Back  blue-black  ;  belly  wliite Melanerpe.s 

Back  black-barred  ;  belly  not  spotted Centurus 

Back  black-barred  ;  belly  black-spotted Colaptes 

CAMPE'PHILIJS.     (Gr.  (ca^Trr;,  liawpe,  a  caterpillar ;  (^tXoj,  j'hilos,  loving.)     Ivory-bills. 
Of  largest  size,  with  very  strict  neck,  conspicuously  crested  head,  and  white  bill;  color  black, 

Via.  3'.M.  —  Ivoiwi.iiiia   UiMjdpecker,  I  iiat.  size.     (From  Brehm.) 

witii  white  on  wini:s  and   neck,  and  .'^carlet   crest.     Hill  longer  than  hea»l,  perfectly  straight, 
witli  trniicate  tip,  bevelled  side.-,  witii  slnmi:  ridges;   broader  than  higli  at  base     Goiiys  very 


580 


SYSTEMA  TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  PICARLE  —  PI  CI. 


long;  more  than  half  the  coininissure.  Nostrils  concealed  by  large  nasal  tufts;  antrorse 
feathers  also  at  base  of  lower  inundible.  Outer  hlud  toe  much  the  longest.  Wings  pointed  ; 
4th,  3d,  and  5th  quills  longest;  2d  much  shorter;  1st  very  short  and  narrow.  Tail  very  cune- 
ate.  Containing  the  largest  and  most  magnificent  known  Woodpeckers,  of  several  species, 
peculiar  to  America.  The  Imperial  Woodpecker,  C-  imperialis,  comes  in  Chihuahua  within 
50  miles  of  our  border,  and  will  no  doubt  be  found  in  the  mountains  of  S.  Arizona  or  New 
Mexico.  It  is  larger  than  the  Ivory-bill,  with  no  white  stripe  on  the  neck,  and  black  nasal 
tufts.  It  has  been  attributed  to  the  U.  S.,  but  I  have  never  felt  at  liberty  to  use  the  Key  on 
the  lock  of  futurity. 

C.  principalis.  (Lat.  ^rindpafe,  principal;  ^rinceps,  chief.  Figs.  391,  392,  393.)  Ivory- 
billed  Woodpecker.     White-billed  Logcock.     $  9  •  Glossy  blue-black  ;  a  stripe  down 

„  _  -    -  side  of  neck,  one  at  base 

of  bill,  the  scapulars, 
under  wing-coverts,  ends 
of  secondaries  and  of  in- 
ner primaries,  the  bill, 
and  nasal  feathers  white  ; 
feet  grayish-blue ;  iris 
yellow.  A  long  pointed 
crest,  in  $  scarlet  faced 
with  black,  in  9  black. 
Length  19.00-21.00;  ex- 
tent 30.00-33.00;  wing 
9.75-10.75;  tail  7.00- 
8.00  ;  bill  2.50-2.75  ; 
tarsus  2.00.  Varies  much 
in  size ;  9  smaller  than 
^.  A  large  powerful 
bird  of  the  S.  Atlantic 
and  Gulf  States,  formerly 

Fig.  39;^.  -  Ivory-bUled  Woodpecker.  N_  ty  ]^^f,_  Carolina  along 

the  coast,  to  the  Ohio  river  in  the  interior ;  range  restricted  of  late  years,  almost  coincident 
with  maritime  regions,  N.  and  W.  only  to  portions  of  S.  Car.,  Ga.,  Ala.,  Miss.,  Ark.,  and  very 
small  part  of  Texas;  still  locally  common  in  the  dark  heavily-wooded  swamps,  but  very  wild 
and  wary,  difficult  to  secure.  Nests  high  in  the  most 
inaccessible  trees;  hole  deep,  with  oval  opening;  eggs 
3-5,  1.35  X  1.00,  on  an  average,  varying  moderately, 
somewhat  pointed,  highly  porcellanous ;  they  are  laid 
early,  sometimes  even  in  February,  oftenest  in  March, 
April,  and  early  in  May. 

CKOPHLCE'US.  (Gr.  /cfw  or  mo),  keo  or  keio,  I  split, 
cleave  ;  and  (^\oi6s,  phloios,  bark  of  trees.)  Pileated 
Woodpeckers.  General  form  as  in  Campephilus.  Bill 
as  in  that  genus,  but  not  white,  with  shorter  gonys  only 
about  half  as  long  as  commissure  ;  nasal  plumes  as  be- 
fore, but  no  antrorse  feathers  on  sides  of  lower  mandible. 
Wings  and  tail  substantially  as  in  Campephilus.  Feet 
peculiar :  outer  posterior  shorter  than  outer  anterior  toe,  and  tarsus  shorter  than  inner  anterior 
toe  and  claw;  inner  posterior  toe  very  short  (fig.  395).  Bill  dark;  general  color  black,  re- 
lieved by  white ;  ^  with  a  pointed  scarlet  crest ;  9  crested,  but  with  black  only.     Our  single 


Fig.    393   —  Ivory-billed    Woodpecker, 
Left  foot.     (L.  A.  Fuertes.) 


PICIDjE  —  PICIX.E :    WOODPECKERS. 


681 


b'la.  'Mi.  — Florida  Pileated  Woodpecker. 


si)ccies  is  the  representative  of  the  famous  Black  Woodpecker  of  Europe,  Picus  martius  —  a 
chissic  bird,  by  some  considered  type  of  the  Liuntean  genus  Picus.  There  are  several  typical 
American  species.  (Hijlafomus  Baikd,  1858,  emended  Hylntomus  by  Cabanis,  1862,  and  so 
ill  all  former  eds.  of  the  Key,  preoccupied  by 
Hylotoma  Latreille,  1804,  a  genus  of  hy- 
menoptcrous  insects;  Ceophlosus  Cab.  J.  f.  (). 
1862,  p.  176,  type  Picus  lineatus,  str\ctly  con- 
generic with  our  species ;  and  Phlosotonuis 
Cab.  MurTTeTn.  IV,  1863,  p.  102,  type  Picio 

pileatits :  see  Auk,  Jan.  1885,  p.  52.)  (t:    ^^iBH^^fc..  ^^^fcHt-^a*^         .  / 

C.  pilea'tus.      (Lat.  jyileatus,  ca})])ed,   i.  e. 
crested;  pileiim,  a  cap.     Fig.  394.)     Pilk- 

ATKD  WOODPECKKR.       P.LACK-IilLLED  LoG- 

COCK.  General  color  dull  black;  throat, 
jKist ocular  line,  a  long  stripe  from  nostrils 
along  side  of  head  and  neck,  spreading  on  side 
of  breast,  lining  of  wing,  and  a  great  white 
space  at  bases  of  wing-quills,  white,  more  or 
less  tinged  with  sulphury-yellow.  Feathers 
of  Hanks  and  lielly  often  skirted,  and  some  of  the  quills  often  tipped  with  the  same.  ^:  Top 
of  head,  including  whole  crest,  and  a  cheek-patch,  scarlet.  9-  Posterior  part  of  crest  only 
scarlet,  and  no  cheek-jiatch.  $9'-  J>'11  <''"'k  horn-color,  paler  below;  feet  blackish-plum- 
beous; iris  yellow.     Quite  cuiistaut  in  coloration;  very  variable  in  size.     Length   15.00-19.00 

inches,  usually  17.00-1«.00  ;  extent  25.00- 
30.00,  usually  26.00-28.00;  winir  8.00- 
lO.OO,  usually  8.50-9.00;  tail  6.00-7.00; 
bill  1.50-2.00!  9  averaging  about  2 
inches  less  in  length  than  ^,  and  other 
ilimensions  proportionally  smaller.  Xorth- 
I  in  individuals  averaging  much  larger 
tiian  southern  ones.  N.  Am.  at  large, 
common,  resident  anywhere  iu  heavy  tim- 
ber; but  this  is  a  very  wild,  wary,  and  soli- 
tary bird  —  one  which  grows  scarce^  or 
di.sa|)pears  among  the  first  with  the  clearing  away  of  forests  in  advance  of  civilization.  It 
extends  nearly  or  quite  to  the  limit  of  large  trees  iu  the  intcrinr,  Imt  ap^iarently  not  so  far 
coastwi.se  in  Canada,  or  in  Alaska;  and  is  practically  absent  from  the  8.  Rocky  Mt.  region  of 
the  U.  S.  Nests  iu  remote  and  secluded  woods  and  swamps,  usually  at  a  great  height  J  the 
taking  of  eggs  is  something  of  an  rxplnit.  The  eggs  are  laid  from  April  to  June  in  dilTereut 
parts  of  the  cnuntry;  they  are  3  to  5  or  niuic,  and  measure  alxmt  1.25  X  0.95  on  an  average, 
but  range  fmm  1.20  to  1.40  in  h-iigth  by  0.90  to  1.00  in  breadth.  Egijs  <tf  Woodpeckers  are 
piiiportioned  rather  to  tlie  bird's  bulk  of  body  than  its  linear  dimensions  ;  those  of  Cawpr- 
jihilus  and  Ceopldceus  are  relatively  smaller  than  a  Flicker's,  fur  instance.  Among  the  curious 
names  one  hears  for  this  bird  are  Woodchiiek,  WiMidcock,  Cock  of  tjie  Wnods,  Johnny  Cock, 
and  (jood  God  ! 

C.  p.  al>ietic'ola.  (Lat.  ahies,  gen.  nbieti.s,  the  fir-tree;  colore,  to  inhabit,  cultivate;  incola, 
an  inlialiitant.)  NoRriiERN  PlLEATED  WOODPECKER.  This  name  designates  northerly  speci- 
mens. ;(t  or  ne.ir  the  maximum  <limensions  above  given.  Range  said  to  include  heavily  wooded 
regions  of  N.  Am.  from  the  .southern  Allei:hanies  iiortliwaid.  Bancs,  Auk.  Ajir.  I8!t8,  p.  176; 
A.  O.  U.  Suppl.  List,  Jan.  J 899,  p.  110,  No.  405  «. 


Fio.  39.5. — Ri(»ht  foot  of  Pileated  Woodpeoker,  nat.  size 
(Ad.  nat.  del.  E.  C; 


682 


SYSTEMATIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  PICARLE  —  PICL 


DRYOBA'TES.  (Gr.  bpvs,  dnis,  a  tree,  especially  an  oak,  gen.  8pv6s,  druos,  in  combining 
form  dryo-,  and  ^drrji,  bates,  one  that  treads,  a  goer;  Qalvco,  baino,  I  go,  walk.)  Black- 
AND-WHITE-SPOTTEU  WOODPECKERS.  Bill  more  or  less  nearly  equal  to  head  in  length,  stout, 
straight,  truncate  at  tip,  bevelled  toward  end,  with  sharp  culnien  and  distinct  lateral  ridges  on 
upper  mandible;  at  base  rather  broader  than  liigh,  with  large  nasal  tufts  hiding  nostrils;  cnl- 
men,  commissure,  and  gouys  straight  or  nearly  so  (fig.  399).  Feet  with  outer  posterior  longer 
than  outer  anterior  toe  ;  inner  anterior  intermediate  between  these.  Wing  long,  pointed  by  4th, 
3d,  and  .5th  quills;  2d  decidedly  shorter  (shorter  than  7th,  except  in  borealis)  ;  1st  fairly  s])u- 
rious.  Species  of  medium  and  small  size,  all  black-and-white  (one  brown-backed),  the  back 
striped  or  barred,  the  wings  with  numerous  small  round  white  spots  on  the  quills;  ^  with  red 
on  head.  (Genus  Picus  of  all  previous  eds.  of  the  Key,  as  of  most  writers;  but  as  the  old 
Linnsean  Picus  is  now  restricted  to  an  entirely  different  European  genus  of  Woodpeckers,  we 
select  for  the  American  genus,  of  which  our  familiar  Downy  Woodpecker  is  the  type,  the  name 
Dnjobates  of  Boie,  Isis,  1826,  p.  977.) 

Analysis  of  Species  and  Varieties. 

Back  dark  brown,  neither  striped  nor  fully  barred  with  white arizonce 

Back  black,  not  striped  lengthwise,  but  barred  crosswise  with  white  :  "  ladder-backs  "  (as  in  fig.  407). 

One  Large  white  space  on  side  of  head      Crown  black borealis 

Two  white  stripes  on  sides  of  head 

Nasal  feathers  white  ;  <f  crown  black,  nape  red,  both  white-spotted nuttalli 

Nasal  feathers  brown  ;  (f  crown  and  nape  red,  both  white-spotted. 

Outer  web  of  outer  tail-feather  entirely  black-barred scalaris  bairdi 

Outer  web  of  outer  tail-feather  partly  black-barred scalaris  lucasanus 

Back  black,  not  barred  crosswise,  but  striped  lengthwise  with  white  :  "  pole-backs." 
Outer  tail-feathers  wholly  white.     Length  usually  9-10  inches. 

Greater  coverts  and  inner  secondaries  profusely  white-spotted.     Eastern. 

Of  major  size  :  length  lO.OO-ll. 00 villoius  leucomelas 

Of  medium  size  :  length  il.OO-lO.OO villosus  proper 

Of  minor  size  :  length  8.00-0.00 villosus  auduboni 

Greater  coverts  and  inner  secondaries  sparsely  or  not  white-spotted.     Western. 

White-bellied.     Rocky  mountain  region villosus  hyloscopus 

Smoky-bellied.     Pacific  coast  region villosus  harrisi 

Outer  tail-feathers  barred  with  black.    Length  usually  0-7  inches. 

Greater  coverts  and  inner  secondaries  profusely  white-spotted.    Eastern puhescens 

Greater  coverts  and  inner  secondaries  sparingly  or  not  white-spotted. 

White-bellied.     Rocky  mountain  region pubescens  homorus 

Smoky-bellied.     Pacific  coast  region pubescens  gairdneri 

D.  borea'lis.     (Lat.  borealis.  northern;  inappro])riate  for  a  IT.  S.  species.     Fig.  390.)     Eed- 

cockaded  Woodpecker.  Body  spotted  and 
crosswise  banded,  but  not  streaked.  Head  black 
on  top,  with  a  large  silky  white  auricular  patch 
embracing  eye  and  extending  on  side  of  neck,  bor- 
dered above  in  ^  by  a  scarlet  stripe  not  meeting 
its  fellow  on  nape ;  nasal  feathers  and  those  on 
side  of  under  jaw  white;  black  of  crown  connected 
across  lores  with  a  black  stripe  running  from  cor- 
ner of  bill  down  side  of  throat  and  neck  to  be  dis- 
sipated on  side  of  breast  in  black  spots  continued 
less  thickly  along  whole  side  and  on  crissum ; 
under  parts  otherwise  soiled  white.  Central  tail- 
feathers  black  ;  others  white,  black-barred.  Back 
and  wings   barred  with  black  and  white ;    larger 

([uills  and  many  coverts  with  the  white  bars  resolved  into  paired  spots.     9  lacking  red  cockade. 

A  peculiar  isolated  species;  wings  longer  and  more  pointed  than  usual  in  this  genus;  2d  quill 


Fig.  39G.  —  Red-cockaded  Woodpecker,  nat.  size. 
(Ad.  nat.  del.  E.  0.) 


PICID.E  —  PICIX.E .    WOODPECKERS. 


583 


longer  than  7th;  spurious  primary  very  short;  bill  smaller  thau  usual,  decidedly  shorter  than 
head.  Length  8.00-8.50  ;  extent  14.00-15.00  ;  wing  4.50-4.90  ;  tail  3.25-3.75.  Pine  swamps 
and  barrens  of  the  S.  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States;  N.  to  Pennsylvania  and  New  Jersey  occa- 
sionally; W.  to  Kentucky,  Tennessee,  Arkansas,  Indian  Territory,  and  a  small  p»art  of  Texas. 
Eggs  3-G,  0.95  X  0.70  on  an  average,  ranging  in  length  from  0.90  to  1 .0.5. 
D.  scala'ris  baird'i.  (Lat.  scalaris,  ladder-like;  scala,  a  scale,  flight  of  stairs,  etc.;  alhidiug 
to  the  black  and  white  cross-bars  on  the  back.  To  S.  F.  Baird.)  Texan  Woodpecker. 
Ladder-backed  Woodpecker.  Entire  back,  from  nape  to  upper  tail-coverts,  barred  across 
in  bhick  and  white  stripes  of  equal  width  ;  a  narrow  space  on  back  of  neck,  upper  tail-coverts, 
and  4  middle  tail-feathers,  entirely  black  ;  wing-coverts  with  a  round  white  spot  at  end  of  each 
feather,  and  a  hidden  spot  or  jiair  <>f  spots  farther  along  the  feather.  Primaries  regularly 
marked  with  white  sp<its  in  pairs  on  edges  of  webs,  those  on  outer  wel>s  small  and  angular,  ou 
inner  webs  larger  and  more  rounded;  on  secondaries  these  S[)ots  changing  to  broken  bars;  so 
tliat  the  primaries  and  coverts  are  s]iotted  alike,  the  secondaries  and  back  barred  alike.  Crown 
black,  speckled  with  white,  in  ^  extensively  crimson;  the  feathers  being  black,  specked  with 
white,  finally  tipped  with  red,  which  becomes  continuous  on  hind  head,  where  the  white  specks 
cease.  Side  of  head  white,  with  a  loug  black  stripe  from  bill  under  eye,  widening  behind, 
there  joining  a  black  jiostocular  stripe  and  spreading  over  side  of  neck.  Nasal  feathers  smoky- 
brown.  Under  parts  ranging  from  soiled  white  to  smoky-gray,  with  numerous  black  spots  on 
sides.  Hanks,  an<l  crissum  ;  lateral  tail-feathers  perfectly  barred  with  black  and  white  in  equal 
amounts.  9  lacking  red  on  crown.  Small:  length  7.00-7.50;  extent  13.00 ;  wing  3..50-4.00; 
tail  2.7.5-3.00;  bill  0.6G-0.87.  Southwestern  U.  S.,  Texas  to  California,  N.  to  Utah,  Nevada, 
and  S.  Colorado,  and  southward  to  the  table  lands  of  Mexico.  Eggs  0.80  X  0.65.  It  is  obvi- 
ously impossible,  iu  the  cases  of  these  profusely  spotted  Woodpeckers,  to  frame  a  description 
which  will  meet  every  case,  without  being  too  vague,  or  going  into  tedious  particulars.  The 
foregoing,  taken  from  Rio  Grande  specimens,  covers  the  usual  style  of  the  species  as  found 
along  our  southern  border;  but  the  student  must  not  be  surprised  if  I  fail  to  account  for  every 
spot  of  the  particular  specimen  he  has  in  hand.  P.  scalarii'i  of  former  eds.  of  the  Key,  now 
subspecifically  distinguished  from  typical  Mexican  scalarix,  which  is  smaller.  P.  bairdt  ScL. 
in  Malherbe's  Monog.  Pic.  i,  1801,  p.  I  18,  pi.  27,  figs.  7,  8;  D.  scalaris  hairdi  Kidgw.  Man. 
1887,  p.  285;  Coues,  Key,  4th  ed.  1890,  p.  903;  A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  396.  The 
difference  is  so  slight  that  the  two  are  united  by 
the  latest  monographer  of  the  family  (HARdiTT, 
Cat.  Pic.  Brit.  Mus.  1890,  p.  246)  under  the  name 
of  Dcndrocopus  scalaris. 

D.  s.  luoasa'iius.  (Of  Cape  St.  Lucas.)  St. 
Lucas  Woodpecker.  A  local  race  of  scalaris. 
Smoky-brown  nasal  tufts  and  style  of  head  and 
back  as  in  that  species.  Lateral  tail-feathers  im- 
perfectly barred  and  only  toward  end,  as  iu  nuttalli. 
Red  of  crown  of  ^  broken  up  anteriorly.  Peculiar 
in  disproportionate  size  of  bill  and  feet:  bill  1. 10; 
tarsus  0.75.  Lower  California.  Picas  liicasanas 
Xantus,  18.59;  P.  scalaris  liicasa)nis  CoVKH,  of 
all  previous  eds.  of  the  Key;  iJri/obates  scalaris 
hicasaints  Kiixiw.  1885;  A.  O.  U.  Lists,  1886-95, 
No.  '.VM\(i. 

I>.    uut'talli.      (To    Thos.    Niittall.      Fii:.    .•{!»7.) 
NrTT.\Li.'.s   Wdohpecker.     Similar,  but  niorr  white,  this  jirevailing  on  back  over  the  black 
l)ars;  nape  chiefly  white;  nasal  tufts  bullish  or  white;  lateral  tail-feathers,  especially,  s|iaisc]y 


Fio.    307 
(From  Elliot.) 


NuttiiU's     Wooilpccker,     nat.    size. 


584 


SYSTEM  A  TIC   S  YNOPSIS.  —  PICARI.E  -  PICI. 


Fig.  398.  —  Hairy  Woodpecker.     (From  The  Osprey.) 


PICIDyE  —  PICIN.E :    WOODPECKERS. 


585 


or  imperfectly  barred.  The  Californian  coast  form,  N.  to  Oregon,  differing  decidedly  in  some 
respects,  and  constantly.  Barring  restricted  to  back  proper;  iiind  neck  black,  succeeded  ante- 
riorly by  a  white  space  adjoining  the  red,  wanting  in  scalaris,  where  red  joins  black.  Red 
chiefly  confined  to  occiput ;  rest  of  crown  black,  sprinkled  with  white.  Lateral  tail-feathers 
white,  not  barred  thn>ug]i()Ut,  having  but  1-.3  black  bars,  all  beyond  their  middles,  all  but  the 
terminal  one  of  these  broken.  White  postocular  stripe  running  into  white  nuchal  area,  but 
cut  off  from  white  of  shoulders.  White  maxillary  stripe  enclosed  in  black  as  in  scalaris,  but 
tliis  black  continuous  with  the  cervical  black  j)atch,  which  is  not  tlie  case  in  scalaris.  No 
smoky-brown  state  of  under  parts  observed.  Picus  scalaris  nuttalli  of  all  previous  eds.  of 
Key,  now  raised  to  specific  rank  ;  Driiohates  nuttallii  Ridgw.  Proc.  U.  S.  Xat.  Mus.  viii  1885 
p.  hiiH]  A.  O.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  .397. 

D.  arizo'nae.  (Lat.  oi'  Arizona.)  ARIZONA  Woodpeckkk.  Entirely  different  from  any  of 
the  foregoing  or  following  species.  Adult  ^:  Upper  parts  dark  brown,  immaculate;  toj)  of 
head,  rump,  and  4  middle  tail-feathers  darker;  occiput  with  scarlet  band.  Sides  of  head  with 
white  postocular  and  maxillary  bands,  expanded  and  more  or  less  confluent  on  sides  of  neck. 
Wiug-(piills  like  back,  their  outer  webs  with  a  few  small  white  spots,  inner  webs  with  more 
numerous  larger  white  spots  or  broken  bars.  Outermost  tail-feathers  evenly  barred  through- 
out with  blackish-brown  and  white;  intermediate  feathers  jtartly  so  banded,  but  mostly  black- 
ish. Entire  under  parts  sordid  whitish,  thickly  spotted  with  dusky;  the  markings  few  and 
somewhat  linear  on  throat,  crowded  and  cordate  on  breast,  wideuing  and  tending  to  become 
bars  (m  lower  belly,  flanks,  and  crissum.  Bill  and  feet  blackish-plumbeous.  Size  of  a  small 
rillostis;  wing  4.50;  tail  3.00;  bill  1.12;  tarsus  0.75;  middle  toe  and  claw  0.90.  9  similar: 
no  red  on  nape ;  color  of  upper  parts  duller,  and  some  feathers  of  middle  of  back  barred  with 
white.  Young:  Like  adults  of  the  respective  sexes;  but  top  of  head  brown  like  back,  and 
spotted  with  red.  A  Mexican  species,  occurring  in  the  mountains  of  S.  W.  New  Mexico  and 
S.  Arizona.  Eggs  3  or  more,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  related  species ;  size  about 
0.84  X  0.02.  P.  stricMandi  of  the  Key,  2d  and  3d  eds.  1884,  1887,  p.  482,  and  Dnjohates 
stricklundi  of  the  A.  0.  U.  List,  1st  ed.  188G,  No.  398,  but  not  the  true  P.  stricklumli  of 
Malhf.rbe,  Rev.  Zool.  1845,  p.  373,  with  which  erroneously  identified  by  Ridgw.  Proc.  U.  S. 
Nat.  Mus.  viii,  1885,  p.  355;  P.  amo««  Hargitt,  Ibis,  Apr.  1880,  .p.  115;  Dnjohates  ari- 
some  Ridgw.  Man.  1887,  p.  286;  Coue.s,  Key,  4th  ed.  1890,  p.  903;  A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed. 
1895,  No.  398;  Dendrocopus  arizonce  IIargitt,  Cat.  Pic.  Brit.  Mus.  18!)0,  p.  228,  where 
Malherbe's  plate  (pi.  28, 
hi,'-  4.  of  l:is  Monog.  Pic.) 
and  dcscr.  of  the  ad.  ^  of 
]'.  stricklandi  is  said  to 
have  l)een  taken  from  a 
specimen  of  D.  arizotuc  in 
the  British  Museum  ;  so 
that  our  malidentification 
was  (piitc  an  easy  mistake. 
D.  villo'siis.  (Lat.  vil- 
lusKs,  hairy,  shaggy,  vil- 
lous. Figs.  398,  399.) 
IIaikv  Wgodi'Kckek. 
(4ki;at   (iriNEA  Wood- 

I'KCKKR.  Spotted      and 

Irngthwisc    streaked,    but 

not  banded.      Usually  9-10  long;  outer  tail-feathers  wholly  white.      Back   black,  with  a  long 

white  stripe  down  the  middle.     Quills  and  tviug-corerts  with  a.  pn>fusiou  of  white  spots;  usu- 


Fio.  309.  —  Hiury  WiM).l|)cc-ki>r,  iiat.   Hize.     (Aii.  nut.  drl.  E.  C.) 


586  SYSTEMATIC  SYNOPSIS.  — PICARLE  —  PICI. 

ally  6-7  pairs  on  primaries,  several  on  all  secondaries,  and  one  or  more  on  each  covert.  Four 
middle  tail-feathers  black  ;  next  pair  black  and  white  ;  next  two  pairs  white,  as  stated.  Under 
parts  white.  Crown  and  sides  of  head  black,  with  a  white  stripe  over  and  behind  eye ;  an- 
other from  nasal  feathers  running  below  eye  to  spread  on  side  of  neck  ;  a  scarlet  nuchal  band 
in  ^ ,  sometimes  broken  in  two,  wanting  in  9  •  Young  with  crown  mostly  red  or  bronzy,  or 
even  yellowish.  Eastern  N.  Am.,  common;  accidental  in  England.  Length  usually  9.00- 
10.00;  extent  15.50-17.50;  wing  4.50-5.00;  tail  3.50;  bill  1.12;  whole  foot  1.06.  Varies 
greatly  in  size,  mainly  according  to  latitude;  birds  of  the  dimensions  just  given  constitute 
typical  rillosus  of  most  parts  of  the  U.  S.,  directly  connected  on  the  one  hand  with  the  larger 
northern  D.  v.  leucomelas,  on  the  other  witli  tiie  smaller  D.  r.  auduhoni.  These  facts  have 
long  been  known,  and  have  been  recognized  in  former  editions  of  the  Key  by  presenting  the 
species  under  the  three  phases  called  a.  major,  h.  medius,  and  c.  minor  —  terms  now  replaced  by 
more  formal  nomenclature  of  the  two  extremes,  leaving  the  mean  to  stand  as  D.  rillosus  proper. 
This  species  in  the  West  shades  directly  into  D.  v.  hyloscopns  and  D.  v.  harrisi,  by  disappear- 
ance of  the  spots  from  the  coverts  and  inner  secondaries ;  the  change  occurs  on  the  eastern 
slopes  of  the  Rocky  Mts.  One  of  the  common  eastern  U.  S.  Woodpeckers,  but  not  so  often 
noticed  as  the  little  pubescens,  as  it  is  less  familiar,  and  keeps  more  in  the  woods.  Eesident 
wherever  occurring.  Eggs  3-6,  or  7,  1.00  X  0.75  to  0.85  X  0.65,  Apr.-June. 
D  V.  leucom'elas.  (Gr.  XevKos,  leitkos,  white,  and  /x«\af,  melas,  black.)  Northern  Hairy 
WooDX'ECKER.  Boddaert's  WOODPECKER.  Very  large  and  hoary.  Length  up  to  11.00  ; 
wing  over  5.00;  tail  nearly  4.00;  whole  foot  1.90;  bill  1.50!  Northern  N.  Am.,  from  the 
northern  tier  of  the  U.  S.  through  British  America  to  the  Pacific  in  Alaska. 
D.  V.  aud'uboni.  (To  J.  J.  Audubon.)  SOUTHERN  Hairy  Woodpecker.  Audubon's 
Woodpecker.  Very  small  and  dark.  Grading  down  to  8.00,  thus  within  an  inch  of  the 
maximum  of  D.  pubescens.  South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States,  from  N.  Carolina  and  Tennes- 
see to  Louisiana  and  S.  E.  Texas. 

D.  V.  hylos'copus.  (Gr.  vXoa-Konos,  hidoscopos,  watching  over  woodland,  as  the  god  Pan  was 
said  to  do,  or  as  any  forester  does ;  vXrj,  hide,  woods,  and  o-kottos,  a  watchman.)  Rocky  Moun- 
tain Hairy  Woodpecker.  Cabanis' Woodpecker.  Exactly  like  ctZZosws,  excepting  fewer 
wing-spots  and  white  lores ;  generally  none  on  coverts  and  inner  quills ;  with  specimens  enough 
we  can  see  the  spots  disappear  one  by  one.  Generally  white  below,  but  in  some  regions  less 
pure  and  immaculate,  thus  grading  into  D.  v.  harrisi,  from  which  it  was  not  separated  in  the 
lst-3d  editions  of  the  Key.  Size  of  average  villosus.  Western  U.  S.  from  the  Rocky  Mts.  to 
the  Pacific,  excepting  the  special  range  of  2).  r.  harrisi,  and  southward  into  Mexico.  This  is  the 
ordinary  white-bellied  "  hairy  "  Woodpecker  of  wooded  regions  in  most  parts  of  the  Western 
U.  S.,  as  distinguished  from  the  smoky-bellied  harrisi  of  the  N.  W.  coast  region.  Dryobates 
hyloscopus,  Cab.  and  Heine,  Mus.  Hein.  iv,  Pt.  ii,  1863,  p.  69  ;  D.  r.  hyloscopns  Brewst. 
Auk,  July,  1888,  p.  252;  A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  393  d.  P.  v.  hyloscopns  CouES, 
Key,  4th  ed.  1890,  p.  903. 

D.  V.  montic'ola.  (Lat.  monticola,  inhabitant  of  a  mountain  ;  mons,  gen.  montis,  a  moun- 
tain;  colere,  to  cultivate,  inhabit;  incola,  an  inhabitant.)  Rocky  Mountain  Hairy  Wood- 
pecker. Said  to  differ  from  D.  r.  hyloscopus  in  larger  size,  whiter  under  parts,  and  chiefly  or 
entirely  black  lores  as  in  rillosus.  Wing  5.20 ;  tail  4.20.  Alleged  range  in  the  Rocky  Mts. 
from  New  Mexico  to  Montana,  and  Uintah  Mts.  of  Utah.  D.  r.  montanus  Anthony,  Auk, 
Jan.  1896,  p.  32,  changed  to  D.  v.  monticola  Anthony,  Auk,  Jan.  1898,  p.  54  ;  A.  0.  U.  Suppl. 
List,  Auk,  Jan.  1899,  p.  1]0,  No.  393  e. 

D.  V.  har'risi.  (To  Edward  Harris,  friend  of  Audubon,  and  his  companion  on  the  memorable 
Missouri  River  voyage  of  1843.)  CoLUiMBiAN  Hairy  Woodpecker.  Harris'  Wood- 
pecker. Exactly  like  hyloscopus,  in  fewness  or  entire  lack  of  white  spots  on  the  wing-coverts 
and  inner  quills,  but  smoky-gray  instead  of  white  below,  and   sometimes  acquiring  a  few  thin 


PICID.E  —  PICIN.E :    WOODPECKERS. 


b%l 


black  streaks  on  the  sides      Size  of  hijloscopus  or  average  cillosiis.     Pacific  coast  region,  N. 

Califoniia  to  S-  Alaska,  especially  well  marked  in  the  Columbia  River  region  and  in  British 

Columbia.     Picks  harrisii  Aud.   1839;  P.    o.  harnsii  Coves,   Key,  orig.  ed.   1872,  )>.  ]!»4 

(including  hyloscopas),  and  of  most  later  writers  ; 

Dryohates  v.  harrisii  Ridgw.  Man.  1887,  p.  28.'? 

(including  hyloscopus ;    A.   0.    U.   List,  2d  ed. 

1895,  No.  393  c  (excluding  hijloscopus). 

D.  pubes'ceus.     (Lat.  pubescens,  coming  to  pu- 
berty;   i.  e.  hairy.       Figs.  400,  401.)      Uowny 

Woodpecker.   Little  Guinea  Woodpecker. 

"Checkerboard."     Usually  6-7   long;    outer 

tail-feathers  barred  with   black  and  white.     Ex- 
actly like  D.   rillosus,  except  in  these  respects. 

Length    6.00-7.00;    extent    11.00-12.00;     wing 

3.50-4.00;    tail   under   3.00;    bill    about   O.G(i; 

whole  foot  1.25.       Eastern  N.  Am.,  common  in 

orchards,  and  all  wooded   places  ;    accidental  in 

England.     Range  substantially  the  same  as  that 

of  the   Hairy  Woodpecker,   but   in   most   U.   S. 

localities  the  more  abundant  of  the  two  ;  on  the 

whole  rather  more  southerly;    the   most  typical 

form  from  the  8.  Atlantic  and  Gulf  states,  at  or 

near  minimum  dimensions  here  given.     To  the 

average    bird  of  the   eastern  United  States  the 

A.  0.  U.  now  gives  the  name  D.  p.  meclianus, 

restricting  pubescens  proper  to  the  small  southern 

form  (see  S\v.  F.  B.  A.  ii,  1831,  p.  308;  Brewst. 

Auk,  Jan.  1897,  p.  82;  A.  0.  U.  List,  ibid.,  p.  120, 

No.  394  c).     This  is  the  little  spotted  bird  that  bores  the  ajiple-trees  so  persistently;  but  it  does 

not  ap|)ear  to  hurt  them.     There  is  no  such  difference  in  the  character  of  the  plumage  as  the 

terms  "downy"  and  "hairy"  imply.     Both  these  species  are  commonly  called  Sapsuckers,  a 

name  that  siiouKl  be  restricted  to  the  species  of  Sphyropicus,  and  also  Guinea  Woodpeckers, 

from  the  profusion  of  white  spots  as  on  the  Guinea-hen 
(Xumidd  ntelenyris).  The  nest  of  the  little  Checker- 
board may  be  found  in  a  dead  limb  or  trunk  of  any  tree. 
Eggs  3-6,  0.85  X  0.65  to  0.70  X  0,55,  April-June. 
D.  p.  nel'soiii.  (To  E.  W.  Nelson.)  Northern 
DdwxY  Woodpecker.  Nelson's  Woodpecker. 
Bearing  same  relation  to  D.  pubescens  medidnus  that 
h-ucomclits  does  to  rillosus,  being  large  ami  hoary. 
Alaska  and  northern  British  America.  Orkimiolsek, 
I'l.  r.  S.  Nat.  .Mus.  xviii,  1895,  p.  549;  A.  ( ».  U. 
."^uppl.  List,  Auk,  Jan.  I8!t7.  ]>.  120,  No.  394  d.  (lu- 
cluded  under  pubescens  iu  all  fininer  eds.  of  tlic  Ki'V.) 

I>.  p.  huiiiu'riis.     (Gr.  o/nopor,  homoros,  neighboring,  bordering  on  ;  ofios.  homos,  same,  com- 

riKin.  joint,  and   opos,  horos,    boundary,    limit.)     RocKY  Moi'NTAiN   Downy  Woodpeckkk. 

Batchelder's  Woodpecker.     Bearing  same  relation  to  D.  pubescens  that  hyloscopus  does 

to  rillosus,  having  few  or  no  sp<jts  on  coverts  and  inner  quills;  belly  white,  as  in  ])ubcsccns. 

Rixky  Mt.  region  of  U.  8.  and  British  Columbia  and  westward,  but  rarer  than  pubescens  in 

tile  East  and  not  found  in  some  places  where  hyloscopus  abounds ;  types  of  the  subspecies  from 


Fio.  400.  —  Downy  Woodpecker. 


Fio.  401.  —  Downy  Woodpcikfr,  nat    size 
(A.l.  iiiit.  del,  E.  C.) 


688 


SYSTEM  A  TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  PICA  RLE  —  PIC  I. 


southern  California;  others  from  New  Mexico  and  Colorado.  This  form  has  until  lately  l)een 
included  in  the  Key  and  otlier  works  uudevgairdneri;  but  it  ofiers  a  case  precisely  parallel  witli 
that  of  hyloscopus  as  compared  with  harrisi.  Pieiis  gairdneri  Auct.  in  part,  of  former  eds.  of 
the  Key.  P.  meridionaUs  Heerm.  nee  Sw.  D.  homorus  Cab.  &  Heine,  Mus.  Hein.  iv,  pt.  2, 
1863,  p.  65.  D.  p.  homorus  Ridgw.  Man.  2d  ed.  1896,  p.  597;  A.  O.  U.  Suppl.  List,  Auk, 
Jan.  1897,  p.  126;  Dryobates  p.  oreoeeus  Batch.  Auk,  July,  1889,  p.  253;  A.  0.  U.  List, 
2d  ed.  189.5,  No.  394  b.  Pieus  p.  oreoeeus  Coues,  Key,  4th  ed.  1890,  p.  903. 
D.  p.  gaird'neri.  (To  Dr.  Meredith  Gairdner,  a  Scotch  naturalist.)  Columbian  Downy 
Woodpecker.  Gairdner's  Woodpecker.  Bearing  the  same  relation  to  D.pubescens  that 
harrisi  does  to  villosus  ;  wing-spots  few  or  wanting  on  inner  quills  and  coverts  ;  belly  smoky- 
gray.  Pacific  Coast  region  of  the  United  States  and  British  Columbia.  Picus  gairdnerii  And. 
1839;  P.  pubescens  gairdnerii  Coues,  Key,  orig.  ed.  1872,  p.  194  (including  homorus),  and 
of  most  later  writers  ;  Dryobates 2)-  gairdnerii  Ridgw.  Man.  1887,  p.  283  (including  homorus); 
A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  394  «  (excluding  homorus)  ;  also,  B.  p.fumidus  Maynard, 
Orn.  and  Ool.  Apr.  1889,  p.  58. 

XENOPI'CUS.  (Gr.  |eVos,  xenos,  rare,  foreign.)  Masked  Woodpeckers.  Form  as  in 
Dryobates.  Body  uniformly  black.  Head  white.  Tongue  but  little  more  extensible  than  in 
Sphyropicus  ;  its  tip  can  be  protruded  less  than  an  inch. 

X.  albolarva'tus.  (Lat.  alho,  with  white  ;  larratus,  masked.)  White-headed  Wood- 
pecker.    Body  not  banded,  streaked,  nor  spotted.     Uniform  black  ;  whole  head  white,  in  ^ 

with  a  scarlet  nuchal  band ;  a  large 
patch  of  white  on  wing,  formed  by  white 
spaces  on  both  webs  of  primaries,  divided 
only  by  their  black  shafts;  on  seconda- 
ries connnonly  resolved  into  a  number 
of  blotches.  Bill  and  feet  plumbeous- 
blackish.  Iris  red.  9  without  red  on 
nape.  Length  8.75-9.50;  extent  15.75- 
16.25 ;  wing  5.00-5.25 ;  tail  3.50.  Moun- 
tains of  California,  Oregon,  Washington, 
and  southern  British  Columbia ;  E.  to 
some  portit)ns  of  Idaho  and  Utah,  com- 
mon in  pine  woods,  ranging  up  to  9,000 
feet  or  more,  resident  or  imperfectly  mi- 
gratory. A  remarkable  species,  unique 
in  coloration,  and  still  more  peculiar  in 
the  little  extensibility  of  the  tongue, 
which  can  be  pulled  out  scarcely  an 
inch  ;  that  of  D.  villosus,  on  the  con- 
trary, extending  2  inches  or  more  beyond 
end  of  bill.  This  species  nests  chiefly  in 
June,  but  from  May  to  July,  seldom  at 
any  considerable  height,  often  quite  near 
the  ground;  eggs  3-7,  oftenest4,  averag- 
ing 0.95  X  0.70;  with  a  variation  of 
0.15  in  length. 

PICOl'DES.  (Lat.  2ncits,  a  wood- 
pecker; Gr.  fidos,  eidos,  resemblance. 
Fig.  402.)  Three-toed  Woodpeckers.  Three-toed:  hallux  (1st  toe)  absent,  4th  toe  re- 
versed as  usual  in  the  family.     Bill  about  as  long  as  head,  stout,  straight,  with  bevelled  end 


Fig  402.  —  European  Three-toed  Woodpecker  (  Picoides  tri- 
dactylus),  J  iiat.  size ;  }iardly  distiuguishable  in  the  cut  from  P. 
americanus.     (From  Brehm. ) 


PICID.E—PICIN.E:    WOODPECKERS. 


589 


and  lateral  ridges,  aud  nasal  tufts  hiding  nostrils  ;  very  broad  and  mucli  depressed  at  base,  with 
lateral  ridges  very  low  d(nvn,  in  most  of  their  length  close  to  and  parallel  with  commissure; 
nostrils  very  near  commissure ;  gonys  about  as  long  as  from  nostrils  to  end  of  bill.  Wings 
very  long  and  pointed;  1st  quill  spurious;  2d  between  6th  and  7tii  in  length.  Crown  with  a 
square  yellow  patch  in  $  ;  sides  of  head  striped,  of  body  barred,  with  black  and  white  ;  under 
parts  otherwise  wliite;  quills  but  not  coverts  with  white  spots;  tail-feathers  unbarred,  outer 
white,  central  black.  All  the  species  of  this  genus  are  unfjuestionably  modified  derivatives  of 
one  circumpolar  stock;  the  American  seem  to  have  become  completely  differentiated  from  the 
Asiatic  and  European,  and  furtiier  divergence  has  perfectly  separated  arctieus  from  americanus  ; 
but  dorsalis,  alascensis,  and  americanus  are  still  linked  together. 

Analysis  oj  Species  anil  Subspecies. 

Back  uniform  black arctieus 

Back  with  entirely  interrupted  lengthwise  white  stripe innericanus 

Back  with  nearly  or  (juite  uninterrupted  lengthwise  white  stripe.     Rocky  Mts  ,  U.  S a.  dorsalis 

Back  intermediate  between  the  two  foregoing.     Alaska a.  alascensis 

P.  arc'tieus.     (Lat.  arctieus,  arctic.     Fig.  403.)      Black-backed   Tiiimi  -  ioed   Wodd- 

I'ECKEK.      Entire    upper    parts    glossy 

blue-black,  with  only  a  few  white  spots 
])aired  on  wing-fiuills.  Below,  white 
from  hill  to  tail;  side.-;.  Hanks,  and 
lining  of  wings  barred  with  black.  A  i 
slight  or  concealed  white  postocular 
strii)e  (often  wanting)  and  a  side-stripe 
on  head  from  across  forehead  to  neck,  1 
cut   off  by  black    from    white   of   under 

parts.     Four  nii(l<Uo  tail-feathers  black,  

rest   white,    but    the    intermediate    one  ^^^  ^^ ' 

usually  touched  with  black.     $  with  a 

square  yellow  patch  on  crown,  wanting  " ''  ■*'>- 

in  9-      I>'11   i'lid  feet  blackish-plumbe-  j  . 

ous;    iris   brown.     Length  9.00-10.00;  "-^  '. 

extent   15.00-17.00;    wing  5.00-5.r)0;     '  M 

tail  4.00;  bill  1.25  or  more.     Xorthera  >  j 

N.  Am.,   S.  in  winter  through  most  of  «'   '^• 

New  England  and  generally  along  the     | 
northern  tier  of  U.  S.,  casually  to  Con- 
necticut,  Pennsylvania,  and  Illinois,  in 
the  mountains  of  the  West  to  about  39° 
in   Nevada  and  California.      Breeds  all 

through    its    regular  range,    which    in-      '  ^V**?/ 

chides  the  Ailirondacks   of  New  York.      ;  /it 

and   is  not  S[)ecially  marked   in    habits,  '      ^'~'    " 

I'ut  mainly  affects  coniferous  forests.  ' 
I'.ggs  oftcne.st  4,  in  May  and  June,  aver-  \ 
auiiii:  (».!».■>  X  0.72. 

I>.  iiiiiei-iea'iius.    (Of  America.)     L.\i)-  ''^^ 

l>l".Ii-BACKEI>       TllRKE-THEl)        W(l()I>-         Fio   403  —  Arctic  Three-toed  Woodpecker.     (From  The  Osprey.) 

I'ECKKU.     Fpiier  parts  black,  middle  line  white,  more  or  less  completely  barred  across  with 
black;    general  effect  thus  of  a  "  ladder- back."     All   primaries  and  secondaries  with  paired 


590  SYSTEMA TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  PlCARl.E  —  PICl. 

white  spots  or  bars.  Four  middle  tail-leathers  black,  others  white,  the  intermediate  one  usu- 
ally touched  with  black.  Below,  white  from  bill  to  tail ;  sides.  Hanks,  and  lining  of  wings 
black-barred.  A  white  postocular  stripe  to  nape,  and  a  larger  white  stripe  from  lore  to  side 
of  neck.  ^  with  a  yellow  square  on  crown,  wanting  in  9  >  i"  both,  crown  seldom  uniform 
black.  J3ill  and  feet  blackish-plumbeous;  iris  bro\A-n.  Smaller  than  the  last;  length  8.00- 
9.00;  extent  14.00-16.00;  wing  4.50-5.00;  tail  under  4.00;  bill  1.25  or  less;  whole  foot  1.50. 
Northern  N.  Am.  to  the  limit  of  large  conifers,  S.  to  Massachusetts  and  along  northern  tier 
of  states,  less  frequently  than  the  foregoing,  but  breeds  with  it  in  the  Adirondacks ;  general 
liabits  the  same ;  eggs  indistinguishable,  averaging  a  trifle  smaller,  0.92  X  0.70. 
P.  a.  alascen'sis.  (Lat.  of  Alaska.)  Alaskan  Three-toed  Woodpecker.  Resem- 
bling the  last;  back  more  broadly  barred  with  white,  the  bars  more  or  less  confluent;  white 
postocular  stripe  more  distinct;  dark  bars  of  the  sides  narrower.  Alaska,  British  Columbia, 
and  Washington.  P.  tridactijlus  alascensis  Nelsox,  Auk,  Apr.  1884,  p.  165;  P.  americamts 
alascensis  Ridgw.  Pr.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.  viii,  1885,  p.  355;  Coues,  Key,  3d  ed.  1887,  p.  880; 
A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  p.  162,  No.  401  a. 

P.  a.  dorsa'lis.  (Lat.  dorsalis,  relating  to  dorsum,  the  back.)  Pole-backed  Three-toed 
Woodpecker.  In  extreme  case,  back  with  an  uninterrupted  white  lengthwise  stripe,  pro- 
ducing the  effect  of  a  "pole-back,"  as  in  D.  villosus  for  instance;  this  is  produced  by  such 
increase  of  white  on  ends  of  individual  feathers  that  their  black  bases  do  not  show,  the  subter- 
minal  black  bars  of  P.  americanus  disappearing.  Usually  partly  banded  black  and  white,  and 
grading  bar  by  bar  into  americanus.  The  amount  of  spotting  on  wings  is  about  as  in  D.  har- 
risi  —  on  primaries  and  secondaries,  not  on  coverts.  Size  of  americanus.  Rocky  Mt.  region, 
S.  to  New  Mexico  and  Arizona,  where  it  breeds,  N.  and  N.  W.  indefinitely,  inosculating  with 
other  forms.     Eggs  5  or  fewer,  indistinguishable,  April-June. 

SPHYROPI'CUS.  (Gr.  o-(/)Opa,  sp/mra,  a  hammer;  and  Lat.  jj?c?(s.)  Sap-sucking  Wood- 
peckers. Bill  about  as  long  as  head,  not  so  stout  and  chisel-like  as  in  the  foregoing  genera; 
pointed,  with  little  bevelling  at  extreme  end  only,  and  lateral  ridges  running  obliquely  into  the 
commissure  at  about  its  middle  ;  culmen  and  gonys  both  a  little  curved  ;  nasal  tufts  moderate. 
Wing  pointed  by  4th  primary  ;  3d  and  5th  nearly  as  long;  2d  between  6th  and  7th  ;  spurious 
1st  very  short.  Tail-feathers  long-acurninate.  Outer  hind  toe  little  longer  than  outer  front 
one;  inner  hind  toe  extremely  short.  Plumage  highly  variegated  with  yellow  and  red.  Sexes 
unlike  in  S.  vurius,  extremely  so  in  S.  thyroideus,  alike  in  S.  ruber;  such  variation  in  this 
respect  among  congeneric  species  being  highly  exceptional  in  the  ftimily.  Tongue  scarcely 
extensile;  tip  obtuse,  brushy ;  hyoid  bones  short.  Birds  of  this  remarkable  genus  feed  much 
upon  fruits,  as  well  as  insects,  and  also  upon  sap  and  soft  inner  bark  (cambium);  they  injure 
fruit-trees  by  stripping  off  the  bark,  sometimes  in  large  areas,  instead  of  simply  boring  holes. 
Of  the  several  small  species  commonly  called  "  sapsuckers,"  they  alone  deserve  the  name. 
In  declaring  war  against  Woodpeckers,  the  agriculturist  will  do  well  to  discriminate  between 
these  somewhat  injurious  and  the  highly  beneficial  species. 

Analysis  0/  Species  and  Subspecies  (adnlls). 

Sexes  sub-similar.     Belly  yellowish  oi'  whitish.     Rump  black  and  white.     Oblique  white  wing-bar. 
Head  fully  striped.     Breast  witli  black  patch.     Crown  crimson  ;  cf  throat  crimson,  $  wliite. 

Crimson  of  (f  throat  strict ;  no  red  band  on  nape.     Belly  yellowish.     Eastern varius 

Crimson  of  (J  throat  spreading  ;  additional  red  on  nape.     Belly  whitish.     Western v.  nitchalis 

Sexes  similar.     Whole  head,  neck,  and  breast,  crimson  or  carmine.     Pacific  Coast ruber 

Sexes  very  dissimilar.     Belly  clear  yellow.     Rump  immaculate  white. 

Oblique  white  wing-bar.     Head  glossy  black,  striped  with  white.      Throat  crimson.      No  circumscribed  black 

breast-plate thi/rinilens  (f 

No  wliite  wing-bar.     Head  brown,  without  definite  white  or  red.     An  Isolated  black  breast-plate.     Most  of  the 
body  barred thyroideus  9 


PICID.E  —  PICIX.E :    WOODPECKERS. 


591 


Fig.  404.  —  Tellow-belUed  Woodpecker,  nat.  size.     (Ad.  nat. 
del.  E.  C.) 


S.  va'rius.  (Lat.  varius,  variegated.  Fig.  404.)  Yellow-bellied  AVoodpecker.  Red- 
THKOATED  Sapsucker.  Squealer.  Crowu  crimsdu,  bordered  all  arouud  witli  black  ;  chin, 
throat,  and  breast  black,  enclosing  a  large  crimi^ou  patch  on  the  former  (in  (J;  in  9  this  patch 
white)  ;  sides  of  head  with  a  white  line 
starting  from  nasal  feathers  and  dividing 
black  of  throat  fnjm  a  transocular  black 
stripe,  this  separated  from  black  of  crown 
by  a  white  postocular  stripe;  all  tliese 
stripes  frequently  yellowish.  Under  parts 
dingy  yellow,  brownish  and  with  sagittate 
dusky  marks  on  sides.  Back  variegated 
with  black  and  yellowish.  Wings  black 
with  a  large  oblique  white  bar  on  coverts ; 
quills  with  numerous  paired  white  spots 
on  edges  of  both  webs.  Tail  black,  most 
of  the  feathers  white-edged ;  inner  webs 
of  the  middle  pair,  and  upper  coverts, 
mostly  white.  Bill  brownish  ;  feet  green- 
ish-plumbeous ;  iris  brown.  Young  birds 
lack  definite  black  areas  of  head  and 
breast,  and  crimson  throat-patch,  these  parts  being  mottled  gray ;  but  in  any  plumage  the  bird 
is  recognized  by  its  yellotcness,  diflercnt  from  what  is  seeu  iu  any  other  eastern  species,  and 
broad  white  wing-bar,  to  say  nothing  of  generic  characters.  Length  8.25-8.75;  extent  15.00- 
IG.OO;  wing  4.80-5.20;  tail  3.25.  Eastern  X.  Am.,  common  in  most  U.  S.  localities,  as  either 
summer  resident  or  migratory;  in  the  interior  X.  to  Gl^  or  farther,  X.  W.  to  the  borders  of  British 
Columbia;  in  the  U.  S.  west  to  the  Dakotas,  Xebraska,  Kansas,  Indian  Territory,  and  Texas; 
S.  in  winter  from  Virginia  to  Central  Am.  and  the  West  Indies  :  accidental  in  Greenland.  The 
Sapsucker  breeds  throughout  the  greater  part  of  its  X.  Am.  range,  S.  in  the  mountains  of  Xortii 
Carolina  and  Tennessee;  eggs  5-7,  about  0.87  X  0.07,  varying  at  least  0.10  in  length;  they 
are  mostly  laid  late  in  May  and  early  in  June.  The  hyoid  bones  are  the  sliortest  of  those 
of  any  X.  Am.  species;  the  tongue  is  protrusible  only  about  ^  inch  beyond  bill.  This  is  the 
true  Sajisucker,  which  injures  the  orchardist,  and  brings  the  beneficial  species  of  Dri/ohates 
into  disrepute. 

S.  V.  nueha'lis.  (Lat.  »»c/io/i'.s,  pertaining  to  «»c7io,  the  nape  ;  not  classic.)  XucHAL  Wdod- 
PECKEK.  Ked-naped  Sap.sicker.  Like  the  last ;  with  an  additional  band  of  scarlet  on 
nape  (where  the  white  is  seldom  even  tinged  with  red  in  <S'.  varii(s) ;  red  throat-patch  invading 
the  surrounding  black,  and  9  "'itli  this  patch  at  least  iu  part  red  ;  all  the  yellowish  variega- 
tion very  pale,  almost  white  on  belly  (where  varius  is  yellowest)  :  bill  slaty-black  (not  brown- 
ish). Rocky  Mt.  region,  U.  S.,  and  British  Provinces,  W.  to  Sierras  and  Cascades;  S.  into 
Mi'xico  and  Lower  California;  casually  to  Kansas  and  southern  California.  In  S.  rarius  red 
rarely  spreads  on  uajje,  and  9  seldom  has  any  on  throat.  In  S.  r.  nuchalis  this  extension  ot 
red  is  a  stej)  which  culminates  in  S.  ruber.  The  general  habits,  nest,  and  eggs  are  the  same  as 
those  of  <S'.  varius. 

S.  ruber.  (Lat.  r?<&er,  red.)  Red-brea.stei)  Woodpecker.  Adult  ^9=  Lik«^  tl  •'  ''^^t. 
but  whole  head,  neck,  and  breast  carmine  or  crimson,  in  which  the  markings  of  rnrtus  are 
more  or  less  completely  dissolved,  though  usually  traceable;  iu  the  young,  gray  with  a  dull 
reddish  suffusion,  as  if  the  head  had  been  dipped  in  claret  wine.  Size  of  the  hist.  Pacific  Cojist 
region,  from  S.  Alaska  to  X.  Lower  California,  and  E.  of  the  Ca.«cade  range  iu  Oregon,  W;uih- 
iuL'ton.  and  British  Columbia,  resident  southcriy,  mi^'ratory  northerly,  altundant,  especially  iu 
coniferous  woods-     A  remarkable  extreme,  long  supposed  to  be  pt-rfectly  distinct;  the  ^  now 


692 


SYSTEMA  TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  PICARLE  —  PICI. 


knovvu  to  iiitergrade  iu  every  degree  with  that  of  S.  v.  nuchalis.  On  the  strength  of  this  fact 
the  bird  was  rated  as  a  subspecies,  ^S*.  v.  ruber,  in  the  2d-4th  eds.  of  the  Key.  But  the  sexes 
are  alike ;  consequently  there  is  no  intergradation  iu  the  9  i  and  specific  distinctness  may  be 
formally  declared  on  this  score.  The  red  of  the  head  is  only  less  complete  than  in  Melanerpes 
erythrocephalus,  in  full-feathered  adults ;  its  tint,  and  extent  on  the  breast,  vary  much.  Nests 
in  deciduous  trees,  as  well  as  conifers,  and  preferably  live  ones,  excavating  a  hole  6  to  12 
inches  deep,  with  a  small  round  opening,  usually  at  considerable  height ;  eggs  5  or  6,  averag- 
ing 0.92  X  0.69,  laid  from  the  latter  half  of  April  to  the  middle  of  June  in  different  latitudes  or 
at  different  altitudes. 

S.  thyroi'deus.  (Gr.  dvpeoetbr]s,  thureoeides,  Lat.  thyroideus,  shield-like;  dvpeos,  thureos,  a 
shield ;  elBos,  resemblance ;  alluding  to  black  plastron  of  9-  Figs.  405,  406.)  Brown-headed 
Woodpecker  ( 9  ).  Black-breasted  Woodpecker  ( 9  )•  Red-throated  Woodpecker 
((?)•  Williamson's  Woodpecker  ((J).  Adult  ^:  Glossy  black,  including  all  the  tail- 
feathers.  Belly  gamboge  yellow.  A  nar- 
row scarlet  patch  on  throat.  Upper  tail- 
coverts,  broad  oblique  bar  on  wing-coverts, 
postocular  stripe,  stripe  from  nostrils  below 
eye  and  ear,  and  small,  iu  part  paired, 
spots  on  quills,  white.  Lining  of  wings, 
sides  of  body,  Hanks,  and  crissum  varied 
with  white,  leaving  the  black  in  bars  and 
cordate  spots.  Bill  slate-color ;  mouth 
pinkish,  feet  greenish-gray,  claws  black, 
iris  dark  reddish-brown.  Length  9.00- 
9.50;  extent  16.00-17.00;  wing  5.00- 
5..50;  tail  3.75;  bill  0.90;  whole  foot 
1.67.  Adult  9:  Altogether  different ;  only 
upper  tail-coverts  white  and  belly  yellow 
as  in  ^  ;  only  continuously  black  in  a 
shield-shaped  area  of  varying  extent  on  breast.  Otherwise,  entire  body,  including  wing- 
coverts,  inner  secondaries  and  most  tail-feathers,  closely  and  regularly  barred  crosswise  with 
black  and  white,  or  brownish-wliite  (most 
brownish  on  body,  quite  white  on  wings  and 
tail).  Whole  head  uniform  hair-brown,  in- 
vaded more  or  less  with  the  variegation  of  the 
body,  sometimes  with  traces  of  the  postocu- 
lar stripe  of  ^,  and  sometimes  touched  with 
red  on  throat.  Quills  more  heavily  white- 
spotted  than  in  ^,  the  spots  paired  on  all 
the  feathers,  changing  to  bars  on  the  inner 
ones.  Two  or  three  intermediate  tail-feath- 
ers black,  but  middle  and  one  or  two  outer 
pairs  barred.  Size  of  the  ^.  The  extraor- 
dinary sexual  differences  long  kept  thyroi- 
deus and  '■'■  williamsoni^^  apart  in  the  books 
as  perfectly  distinct  species ;  especially  as 
they  begin  with  the  first  featherings,  fledg- 
lings in  the  nest  showing  the  opposite  patterns  perfectly.  Young  (J:  Like  adult ;  no  red  in 
white  throat-patch;  belly  merely  yellowish;  tail  varied  with  white.  Young  9-  Like  adult, 
but  whole  head,  neck,  and  breast  banded  with  dusky  and  gray,  conformable  with  the  general 


Fig.  405.  —  Browu-headed  Woodpecker  (  $),  nat.  size. 
nat.  del.  E.  C.) 


(Ad. 


Fig.   400.  —  Red-throated   Woodpecker   ( (f ),   nat.    size 
(Ad.  nat.  del.  E.  C.) 


PICID.E-  PICIX.E:    WOODPECKERS.  593 

variegation  of  body.  The  best  ?  ?  are  those  with  cleanest  brown  head  and  -most  black  breast. 
Though  the  general  eflPect  of  this  beautiful  Woodpecker  is  so  peculiar,  in  each  sex,  the  colora- 
tion is  referable  to  tlie  pattern  of  *S'.  varius.  In  both,  yellow  belly,  red  throat  ($),  white 
upper  tail-coverts,  spotted  (juills,  varied  Hanks  and  crissum,  stripes  on  head,  black  breast  (only 
circuiMscribcd  in  9),  white  oblique  wing-bar  (only  developed  in  ^),  variegation  of  inner  web 
of  middle  tail-feather  (  9  and  young  ^)  ;  general  variegation  of  back  of  varius  repeated  in  9  , 
while  gray  head  of  young  varius  is  met  by  brown  head  of  9  thyroukus.  The  identity  of  the 
sexes  was  not  established  till  1873;  the  9  was  first  discovered,  and  named  thyroideus  in  18.")l  ; 
the  $  was  described  as  wiUiamsoni  in  18.57,  as  rubrigularis  in  1858.  Rocky  Mts.  to  the  Pa- 
cific, U.  S.  and  British  Columbia,  S.  into  Mexico,  migratory  northerly,  resident  southerly, 
chiefiy  in  the  pine-belt,  of  winch  it  is  one  of  tlie  characteristic  s|)ecies,  like  Lewis'  Wood- 
])ecker,  ("lark's  Crow,  Stellcr's  Jay,  and  other  birds;  al)un(lant  in  favorable  localities  up  to 
1(),()()()  feet.  Nest  in  dead  wood,  usually  coniferous,  at  little  or  great  height  indifferently; 
eggs  3-7,  oftenest  5  or  6,  averaging  0.97  X  0.07,  with  a  range  of  0.12  difference  in  length. 
This  extremely  interesting  bird  has  been  referred  to  no  fewer  than  6  genera  —  Ptcus,  Piluumus, 
Centurus,  Colnptes,  Melanerpes,  and  Cladoscopus  —  besides  its  own.  It  is  strictly  a  Sphyro- 
picus,  witii  little  extensible,  brushy,  and  obtuse  tongue,  and  feeds  on  juices  of  trees,  as  well  as 
insects  and  berries. 

CENTU'RUS.  (Gr.  Kevrpov,  kentron,  a  priclde;  ovpd,  onrn,  tail  ;  l)ut  the  species  not  sharper- 
tailed  than  other  Woodpeckers.)  Zebka  WoodI'KCKEI^s.  Bill  about  as  long  as  head,  ccjin- 
pressed,  little  bevelled  or  truncate  at  end,  with  decidedly  curved  culnien  ;  lateral  ridges  near 
culmen,  subsiding  before  reaching  end  of  bill;  nasal  tufts  moderate,  partly  concealing  nostrils. 
Outer  hind  toe  shorter  than  outer  anterior  one.  Wings  and  tail  ordinary.  Sexes  alike,  except 
less  or  no  red  on  head  of  9  •  "  Ladder-backed  ;  "  back  and  wings,  except  larger  quills,  closely 
banded  with  black  and  white;  primaries  with  large  white  blotches  near  base,  and  usually  a 
few  smaller  spots;  Ixdow,  immaculate,  except  sagittate  black  marks  on  flanks  and  crissum; 
i>elly  tinged  with  red  or  yellow;  9-10  long;  wing  about  500;  tail  about- 3.50.  In  these 
characters,  exhibited  i)y  our  species,  the  genus  only  differs  from  Melanerpes  in  pattern  of  color- 
ation, and  is  reduced  to  a  subgenus  thereof  by  the  A.  0.  U.  This  is  technically  defensible ; 
but  for  my  purposes  the  two  genera  are  most  conveniently  kept  apart.  (For  A.  0.  U.  nomen- 
clature substitute  Melanerpes  for  Centurus  for  three  following  species.) 

Analysis  oj  Species. 

Belly  reddening  ;  no  yellow  about  head  ,  (f  whole  crown  red  ;  9  nape  red.     Eastern  US carnlinus 

Belly  yellowing;  (f  crownepot  red  ;  $  no  red  on  head. 

Front  and  nape  yellow  ;  rump  entirely  white  ;  tail  almost  entirely  black.     Texas aiirijinns 

No  yellow  on  head  ;  rump  and  tail  much  barred  with  black  and  white         .  ttropi/ijialis 

C.  earoli'iiiis.  (Of  Carolina.  Fig.  407.)  Hkd-hkllikd  Woodpixkkr.  Zfhk.\-hii:i). 
Whole  crown,  nasal  plumules,  and  nape  scarlet  in  ^J;  nape  scarlet  in  9>  the  crown  b«'ing 
ashy-gray-  Sides  of  head,  ami  under  parts,  grayish-white,  usually  with  a  yellow  shade,  red- 
denuKj  I  iw  the  belly;  tail  black,  one  or  two  outer  feathers  white-barred;  mner  web  uf  central 
feathers  whiter  with  i)lack  spots,  outer  web  of  the  same  black  with  a  white  space  next  the  shaft 
for  most  of  its  length  ;  white  predominating  on  rump.  Bill  and  feet  dusUy  |)ltiinbeous.  Iris 
red.  Larue;  l.iiirth  nearer  10.00  than  9.00;  extent  1«?. 50-17. .")();  wing  .5.00-5.50;  tail  .3..5()- 
4.(K);  bdl  over  1.00;  9  smaller.  Varies  much  in  size;  southi-rn  specimens  smaller  than 
iiortliern.  Youn>;  of  each  sex  reseml)le  the  ailnlts  suffieiently  to  be  unmistakable,  though  the 
markings  are  not  well  defined;  red  of  head  indistinct;  belly  rather  biiffy  than  reddish.  East- 
ern IT.  S.,  somewhat  southerly,  rarely  N.  to  Massachusetts  and  Ontario,  but  reijularly  reachint; 
some  portions  of  New  York,  Michigan,  Wisconsin,  Minnesota,  and  S.  Dakota:  W.  to  Iowa. 
Kansas,  Nebraska,  Indian  Territory,  some  parts  of  Texas,  and  ba.se  of  Hocky  Mts.;  southerly 

3» 


594 


SYSTEM  A  TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  PICARLE  —  PICI. 


resident,  less  so  northerly,  where  migratory  for  the  most  part,  though  occasionally  seen  in 
winter  throughout  its  regular  range;  breeds  throughout,  from  late  April  to  early  June  ;  nest 
high  or  low,  in  dead  wood,  preferably  of  deciduous  trees,  sometimes  conifers;  eggs  3-6,  usu- 
ally 4  or  5,  1.00  X  0.72,  ranging  in  length  from  0.90  to  1.05,  and  in  breadth  from  O.Gfi 
to  0.70. 

C.  au'rifrons.  (Lat.  aurum,  gold  ;  frons,  forehead.)  Yellow-fronted  Woodpecker. 
Somewhat  similar  to  the  last:  heWy  yelloicish,  not  reddish;  rod  of  head  in  ^  confined  to  a 

crown-patch,  in  9  wanting.  Forehead 
and  nasal  plumes  golden-yellow ;  nape 
with  a  golden,  orange,  or  reddish  band 
(in  both  sexes,  besides  the  scarlet  crown- 
patch  of  J).  Ladder-rungs  of  back  nar- 
row, numerous,  and  distinct.  Head  and 
under  parts  clear  ashy-gray,  very  different 
from  the  smoky-gray  of  uropygiaUs ;  belly 
yellowish  ;  flanks  and  crissum  whitish, 
varied  with  black.  Upper  tail-coverts 
white,  not  barred.  Middle  tail-feathers 
entirely  black  ;  outermost  not  entirely 
barred  ;  next  black  or  only  touched  with 
white.  Bill  and  feet  bluish-black.  Iris 
red.  Length  9..50-10.50  ;  extent  16.50- 
17.50;  wing  5.00-5.50 ;  tail  3.25-3.75; 
bill  1.30.  9  differs  as  said.  Young  $  : 
Distinctively  like  adult;  nearly  all  the 
crown  bronzy-red;  nasal  plumes  not  yel- 
low, nape  dull  yellowish;  a  few  thin 
streaks  of  dusky  on  breast.  Texas  and 
southward  ;  resident  and  very  abundant 
in  suitable  localities  on  the  Lower  Rio 
Grande.  Habits  not  peculiar.  Nest  often 
in  telegraph-poles.  Eggs  4-7.  usually  5  or  6,  1.00  X  0.75,  laid  in  April  and  May. 
C.  uropygia'lis.  (Gr.  ovpoTrvyiov,  ovropugion,  Lat.  xiropygium,  the  rump  ;  banded  in  this 
species,  not  white  as  in  aurifrons.)  Gila  Woodpecker.  Saguaro  Woodpecker.  Head 
all  around  and  entire  under  parts  fulvous-gray  ;  front  and  nape  not  notably  different ;  middle 
of  belly  yellowish  ;  flanks  and  crissum  whitish  with  black  bars  and  cordate  spots ;  middle  of 
crown  crimson  m  ^.  Back,  rump,  up})er  tail-coverts,  wing-coverts,  and  inner  quills  closely 
and  regularly  banded  with  black  and  white,  latter  not  pure  on  dorsal  region.  Primaries  black- 
ish, not  regularly  barred  or  spotted  like  inner  quills,  but  slightly  white-tipped  and  edged,  and 
with  large  white  blotches  at  base,  of  irregular  shapes  and  tending  to  resolve  into  sets  of 
smaller  spots.  Middle  pair  of  tail-feathers  black,  with  long  white  shaft-space  on  outei  web, 
on  inner  web  white  with  black  bars  and  spots  ;  intermediate  tail-feathers  black  ;  outermost 
regularly  barred  with  black  and  white;  next  to  outermost  thus  barred  at  end  only.  Bill 
blackish  ;  feet  plumbeous.  Size  of  the  others,  or  rather  less.  9  without  red  on  head.  A 
peculiar  species,  abounding  in  tlie  valley  of  the  Gila  and  Lower  Colorado,  and  southward, 
where  it  nests  usually  in  the  giant  cactuses  or  saguaros  (Cereiis  giganteus).  The  range  of 
these  strange  arborescent  plants,  so  singularly  suggestive  of  colossal  candelabras,  seems 
closely  coincident  with  that  of  the  bird  which  makes  its  home  in  them.  It  extends  up  the 
Colorado  to  Fort  Mojave  at  least,  doubtless  reaching  S.  Nevada,  and  probably  touching 
the  S.  W.  corner  of  Utah  ;  up  the  Gila  to  S.  W.  New  Mexico  ;  is  common  also  in  some  parts 


Fig.   407.  —  Red-bellied   Woodpecker,   reduced 
del.     Nichols  sc. ) 


(Sheppard 


PICID.E—PICIN.E  :    WOODPECKERS. 


595 


of  Lowor  California,  and  extends  in  W.  Mexico  to  Aguas  Calieutes  and  Jalisco.  Eggs  3-5, 
0.97  X  0.70  on  an  average,  Mith  the  usual  range  of  variation,  thus  indistinguishable  from 
those  of  several  other  species  ;  laid  April  and  May- 

3IELANEK'PES.  (Gr.  /x«'Xay,  melas,  black  ;  (pnrjs,  herpes,  a  creeper.)  Tricolor  Wood- 
peckers. Bill  about  as  long  as  head,  depressed  at  base,  coni|)ressed  beyond,  cuhncn  and 
gonys  ridged  but  curved  throughout,  sides  of  upper  mandible  distinctly  ridged  but  a  little  way, 
end  of  bill  pointed  with  little  bevelling;  nasal  tufts  small,  not  concealing  nostrils.  Outer 
posterior  and  anterior  toes  of  equal  lengths.  Wings  pointed  by  3d,  4th,  and  5th  quills;  2d 
shorter  than  (ith;  1st  spurious.  Plumage  lustrous  and  "broad"  in  coloration,  with  bhick, 
white,  and  red  in  masses,  little  or  not  spotty  or  streaky.  Sexes  alike  and  young  different,  or 
sexes  unlike  and  young  similar.  Our  two  species  are  very  different,  requiring  no  analysis  of 
their  characters. 

31.  erythroce'phalus.  (Gr.  ipvOpos,  cruthros,  red  ;  KecfyaXrj,  kephale,  head.  Fig.  408.)  Red- 
iiE.\i>i:i)  Woodpecker.  Tricolor.  Adult  ^  9  :  Beautifully  tricolor  with  "  the  red,  white, 
and  blue.''  Back,  wings,  and  tail  glossy  blue-black  ;  seconda- 
ries, upper  tail-coverts,  under  wing-coverts,  under  parts  from 
breast,  and  ends  of  some  outer  tail-feathers,  white.  Whole 
head,  neck,  and  fore  breast  crimson,  usually  black-bordered 
where  adjoining  the  white.  The  white  of  wings  and  rump  is 
pure;  that  of  belly  usually  tinged  with  ochraceous  or  reddish; 
the  white  quills  have  black  shafts.  The  red  feathers  are  stiff'- 
ish  and  simiewhat  bristly  in  their  colored  portions.  The  gloss 
is  sometimes  green  instead  of  blue.  Bill  and  feet  dusky  horn- 
color.  Iris  brown.  Length  8..)0-9..50;  extent  16.00-18.00; 
wing  5.00-5.50;  tail  3.50;  bill  1.00-1.12;  wh(de  foot  l.()7. 
Young  J  9  '■  Ked  {)arts  of  adult,  gray,  streaked  with  dusky  ; 
the  red  appears  m  irregular  patches.  Feathers  of  back  and 
wing-coverts  skirted  with  light  gray,  and  mixed  with  concealed 
whitish,  in  bars.  Primaries  and  tail-feathers  tipped  and  edged 
with  white.  White  of  secondaries  broken  with  black  bars  or 
spots.  At  a  very  early  age,  wh<de  under  parts  streaked  with 
dusky  much  like  the  head,  but  these  parts  whiten  before  the 
head  reddens.  Eastern  U.  S.  and  British  Provinces,  irregularly 
rare  or  common  northerly,  abounding  in  most  U.  S.  k)calities  pio.    408.  —  Red-headed     Wood- 

except  New  England ;  common  N.  to  49°  along  Red  River  of  the     pecker,     reduced.     (Si.eppard    del. 

,.,,,,'.,,.,  .  TT      1       .    ■  ,      Nichols  sc. ) 

iSorth;   W.  to  Kocky  Mts.,  sometimes  to  Utali,  Arizona,  and 

California;  migratory  in  most  sections,  yet  also  resident  to  some  extent  throughout  its  range, 
being  seen  in  the  dejtth  of  winter  even  along  our  northern  border  —  it  is  a  bundle  ot  contradic- 
tions 111  this  and  most  other  respects.  A  very  familiar  bird,  in  orchards  and  gardens  as  well  as  lu 
woods,  conspicuous  as  a  gay  tricolor  banner,  and  a  great  genius,  no  less  brilliant  and  versatile 
III  character  than  in  plumage  —  very  accomplished,  of  endless  resources,  with  tricks  and  man- 
ners enough  to  liil  tlie  rest  of  this  volume  with  good  reading  matter!  Feeds  much  ou  acorus, 
nuts,  iierries,  an<l  various  fruits  as  well  as  upon  insects  ;  sometimes  lays  up  a  store,  like  tlio 
Caiifornian  Woodpecker,  and  to  some  extent  is  cannilialistic.  Nest  anywhere  in  wood,  pref- 
erably th(;  blasted  toj)  of  a  tree,  tiug  to  a  depth  of  a  few  inches  or  two  feet,  with  a  round  hole 
too  small  to  admit  the  hand  Fggs  4-8,  usually  5  or  <!.  averaging  1.00  X  0.75,  Itut  vt-ry 
variaide,  glossy  and  roundish  as  usual  in  the  family,  in  most  of  its  range  laid  late  in  May  and 
<  arly  in  June.     Twtj  luoods  southerly. 

M.  fonnlci'vorus.  (Lat. /o/»/((vf,  an  ant;  roro,  I  devour.  Fii;.  409.)  Ant-k.vtino  Wood- 
I'l.iKKR.     Arizona  Acor.n  Woodpecker.     Adult   ^  9  •  Glossy  blue-black  ;  rumj),  bases 


696 


S  YSTEMA  TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  PICARLE  —  PICI. 


of  all  qnills,  edge  of  wing,  and  under  parts  from  breast,  white ;  sides  M'ith  sparse  black 
streaks;  forehead  squarely  white,  continuous  with  a  stripe  down  in  front  of  eyes  and  thence 
broadly  encircling  throat,  there  becoming  yellowish  ;  this  cuts  off  completely  the  black  around 
base  of  bill  and  on  chin;  crown  in  $  crimson  from  the  white  front,  in  9  separated  from 
the  white  by  a  black  interval  ;  frequently  a  few  red  leathers  in  the  black  breast-patch,  which 
is  not  sharply  defined  behind,  but  changes  by  streaks  into  the  white  of  belly  (in  this  respect 
approaching  the  S.  Mexican  form  called  striaUpectus,  in  which  the  black  area  is  entirely 
broken  up  into  streaks).  Bill  black  ;  eyes  white,  often  rosy,  creamy,  yellowish,  milky,  bluish, 
or  brown.  Young  not  particularly  different,  but  have  the  head-markings  less  defined,  the  red 
bronzy,  and  at  an  early  age  over  the  whole  crown  of  both  sexes  ;  black  parts  less  pure;  black 
streaks  of  sides  blurred.  In  9  ,  the  succession  of  white,  black,  and  red  on  crown  is  very  sharp 
and  square  ;  the  white  frontlet  and  black  coronal  areas,  taken  together,  are  broader  lengthwise 

than  the  red  occipital  bar.  In  some 
specimens  of  either  sex,  the  secondaries 
are  edged  and  tipped  with  white.  The 
gloss  is  sometimes  rather  green  than 
blue.  Length  (average  of  J"  9  )  9.50; 
extent  18.00 ;  wing  about  5.50 ;  tail 
3.75.  My  measurements  of  many  Ari- 
zona specimens  in  the  flesh  show  no 
adult  under  8.80  long  X  17. 00  in  ex- 
tent, ranging  thence  up  to  ^  9.90  X 
18.70,  with  no  ccmstant  difference  be- 
tween the  sexes;  the  bill  ranges  from 
0.87  to  1.12,  averaging  1.00  for  both 
sexes  and  all  ages.  Southwestern  U.  S., 
from  W.  Texas  through  New  Mexico 
and  Arizona,  to  contiguous  parts  of  California  E.  of  the  Sierras  Nevadas,  and  S.  into  Mexico, 
common  resident.  This  is  not  particularly  a  bird  of  oak  woods  ;  I  found  it  abundant  in  the 
pineries  about  Fort  Whipple,  where  it  breeds.  Eggs  about  1.00  X  0.75.  M.  formicivorus  of 
the  Key,  orig.  ed.  1872,  p.  197,  reverted  to  by  the  A.  0.  U.  in  Auk,  Jan.  1897,  p.  120,  No. 
407.  M.  formicivorus  bairdt  of  the  Key,  2d-4th  eds.,  1884-90,  p.  489,  and  of  A.  0.  U.  Lists, 
1886-95,  No.  407,  in  part  (includes  this  form  and  the  next).  31.  f.  nculeatus  Mearns,  Auk, 
July,  1890,  p.  249  ;  see  Auk,  Jan.  1891,  p.  88,  and  Ridgw.  Man.  2d  ed.  1896,  p.  597.  This 
means  that  all  the  U.  S.  birds  combined  were  wrongly  separated  from  the  typical  Mexican 
bird;  whereas  the  distinction  is  to  be  made  between  the  latter  and  the  California  Coast  bird,  as 
follows : 

M.  f.  bairdi.  (To  S.  F.  Baird.)  Baird's  Woodpecker.  Californian  Acorn  Wood- 
pecker. Like  the  last,  throat  more  decidedly  yellowish ;  black  breastplate  more  solid  for  a 
considerable  area;  averaging  slightly  larger,  the  bill  especially  longer  and  stouter.  Length  av- 
eraging over  9.50  and  extent  over  18.00;  wing  nearly  6.00;  tail  4.00;  bill  1.12-1.40.  Pacific 
Coast  region,  abundant  in  California  and  N.  to  44°  in  Oregon,  mostly  confined  to  areas  W.  of 
Sierras  Nevadas  and  Cascade  Range,  but  occasionally  E.  of  latter  in  Oregon ;  N.  Lower  Cal. 
Particularly  a  bird  of  the  oak  belt ;  acorns  are  its  principal  food,  and  it  is  noted  for  the  habit  of 
sticking  them  in  little  holes  that  it  digs  for  the  purpose,  till  whole  branches  are  often  studded 
m  this  curious  manner.  It  nests  preferably  in  oaks  but  also  in  other  trees  ;  eggs  4,  5  or  more, 
April-June,  averaging  L 10  X  0.90,  and  thus  rather  larger  than  those  oi  formicivorus  proper,  but 
indistinguishable.  The  general  manners  and  bearing  of  all  the  forms  of  this  species  are  most 
like  those  of  our  common  Red-headed  Woodpecker.  (Synonymy  as  above  indicated  ;  also  M. 
f.  melanopogon  Temm.,  of  Hargitt.) 


Fig.  409.  —  Californian  Woodpecker,  nat.  size. 
E.  C.     (Bill  at  a  minimum.) 


(Ad.  nat.  del. 


PICIDJE.  —  PICINJE :    WOODPECKERS. 


597 


M.  f.  angus'tifrons.  (Lat.  angustus,  unvrow,  straitened  ;  frons,  forehead.)  Narrow- 
FKONTED  Woodpecker.  The  white  t'nmlal  har  narrower;  bill  somewhat  diflVreutly  shaped. 
In  the  9  the  white  froutal  bar  is  narrower  than  the  succeeding  black  coronal  bar,  and  b(.th 
together  are  narrower  tlian  the  red  occipital  bar;  iu  botli  sexes  the  frontal  bar  is  hardly  over 
0.:25  in  length.  Tiiroat  decidedly  yellowish,  and  this  color  also  tingeing  the  forehead  iu  some 
cases;  pectoral  black  plate  more  broken  up  in  streaks  than  in  bairdi,  abont  as  m  formicivorus 
proper.  Rather  small,  Wke  formicivorus ;  wing  averaging  under  5.50,  but  bill  relatively  large, 
about  1.20.     Cai)e  region  of  Lower  California. 

ASYNDESMUS.  (Gr.  a  privative,  avv,  sun,  together;  dtafnk,  'A.sv»o.s-,  a  bond;  alluding  to 
loosened  texture  of  feathers  of  certain  parts.)  Hulstlk-hklliku  Woodpeckek.s.  liill 
almost  colaptine  in  general  aspect, 
but  with  short  distinct  lateral  ridges 
as  in  Melanerpes  ;  as  long  as  head, 
rather  longer  tlian  tarsus,  not 
Ijj'oader  tlian  high  at  base,  com- 
pressed and  somewhat  (!urved  toward 
end;  pointed  with  scarcely  any  lat- 
eral bevelling,  culmen  curv(;d  and 
scarcely  ridged  ;  gonys  straight. 
Wings  of  excessive  length,  folding 
nearly  to  end  of  tail,  and  peculiar  in 
proportion  of  primaries:  4th  quill 
longest,  .'id  and  5th  al)out  equal  and 
shorter  than  2d.  Inner  anterinr 
claw  reaciiing  little  beyond  base  of 
outer  anterior.  Feathers  of  under 
parts  and  of  a  nuchal  collar  with  the  fibrillie  of  their  colored  portions  enlarged  in  calibre, 
bristly,  of  silicious  hardness,  loosened  and  disconnected,  being  devoid  of  barbicels  and  hook- 
lets.  Dorsal  plumage  compact,  of  intense 
metallic  lustre.  Feathers  of  face  soft  and 
velvety.  Sexes  alike,  young  different.  I 
named  this  genus  in  1866;  it  is  a  good 
one,  as  genera  go  now ;  I  coiitinue  to 
uphold  it,  as  in  former  eds.  of  tiie  Key, 
1872-90;  so  does  the  latest  monographer 
of  the  Picidce  (Hargitt,  Cat.  B.  Brit. 
Mus.  xviii,  1890,  p.  187),  who  disallows 
even  subgeneric  difference  of  Cc)tti(n(s 
from  Melunerpes.  (Subgenus  of  Mela- 
)H'rj)es,  A.  O.  V.  Lists.) 
A.  torqiia'tiis.  (Lat.  torquatits,  collared. 
I'igs.  410,  411.)  Lkwis'  Wdodpkckf.r. 
COLLARICI)  WiKil«PI.(  Kf.i;.  .Vdult  (^  9 '• 
l'pi>er  parts,  including  wings  and  tail, 
Hanks  and  cri.ssum,  green-black  with  in- 
ii'iise  bronzy  lustre,  especially  on  back  — 
tliis  iridescence  almost  like  tiiat  of  Qiiisca- 
liis  leueus.  Face  dark  criinstm,  in  u  patch 
of  velvety  feathers  around  bill  and  eyes. 
A  narrow  distinct  collar  around  back  of  neck,  and  breast,  hoary  bluish-gray,  gradually  briglit- 


FiG.  410.  —  Lewis'  Woodpecker,  nat.  .size.     (Ad.  nat.  del.  E.  C.) 


Lewis'   Wooilpecker,   reduced.     (Slicppard  del. 


598 


SYSTEM  A  TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  PI  CARLE  —  PICI. 


ening  behind  ou  imder  parts  to  iutense  rose-red  or  lake,  delicately  pencilled  in  hair  lines  with 
hoary-gray.  No  white  on  wings  or  tail,  their  under  surfaces  simply  black.  Bill  blackish  ;  feet 
greenish-plumbeous.  Iris  brown.  Length  J U.OO- 11.00  ;  extent  20.00-22.00 ;  wing  6.50-7.00 ; 
tail  4.50;  bill  1.20.  Young:  Little  lustre  at  first,  but  this  soon  appears,  before  any  red.  Little 
or  no  trace  of  hoary  collar  or  crimson  mask  ;  face  sooty-black  ;  throat  and  breast  mixed  fuscous 
and  gray,  changing  ou  belly  to  sooty-black,  tinged  or  slashed  here  and  there  with  red.  The 
hoary  and  lake-red  are  established  with  the  feathers  that  are  of  the  bristly  character  above  de- 
scribed. A  remarkable  bird,  inhabiting  wooded  mountainous  parts  of  the  West,  especially  the 
pine- belt.  Rocky  Mts.  to  the  Pacific,  U.  S.  and  adjoining  British  Provinces  of  Alberta  and 
British  Columbia ;  E.  regularly  to  the  Black  Hills  of  S.  Dakota,  casually  to  Kansas ;  it  was 
discovered  by  the  Lewis  and  Clark  Expedition  near  Helena,  Mont.,  Sat.,  July  20,  1805.  It  is 
found  with  Clark's  Crow  and  Steller's  Jay ;  is  wild  and  wary  like  the  Pileated  Woodpecker, 
but  a  much  less  noisy  and  more  sedate  bird  than  most  of  the  tribe ;  keeps  high  up  in  trees, 
and  in  fiying  looks  more  like  a  Crow  than  a  Woodpecker.  Its  aerial  excursions  are  very 
conspicuous,  especially  when  it  is  foraging  for  insects  like  a  Flycatcher  ;  in  ordinary  flight  it 
winnows  the  air  steadily,  in  direct  courses,  unlike  the  cycloidal  curves  made  by  most  W(Kjd- 
peckers,  which  almost  close  the  wings  as  they  loop  along.  It  is  resident,  or  only  migratory  from 
extremes  of  its  range  in  latitude  or  altitude ;  I  have  observed  it  in  summer  from  Montana  to 
Arizona.  Nidification  is  not  peculiar;  coniferous  trees  are  commonly  selected  for  excavation, 
which  may  be  made  to  a  depth  of  two  feet  or  more,  with  a  hole  that  hardly  admits  the  hand. 
The  eggs  are  laid  in  May  and  June,  5-9  in  number,  usually  6-8,  averaging  about  1.05  X  0.80, 
but  ranging  iu  length  from  0.95  to  1.15,  and  in  breadth  from  0.65  to  0.85.  M.  torquatiis, 
A.  0.  U.  Lists. 

COLAP'TES.  (Gr.  KoXanTT^s,  kokipfes,  a  chisel,  hammer.)  Gilded  Woodpeckers.  Flick- 
ers.    Bill  about  as  long  as  head,  slender  and  weak  for  this  family,  without  any  lateral  ridges 

or  bevelling,  pointed  with- 
out truncation ;  culinen  and 
commissure  curved,  gonys 
nearly  straight,  only  about 
half  as  long  as  culmen ; 
nostrils  not  concealed  by 
the  slight  nasal  tufts ;  cul- 
men and  gonys,  hctwever, 
both  ridged.  Outer  poste- 
rior toe  shorter  than  outer 
anterior  ;  inner  posterior  toe 
very  short.  Wings  long, 
pointed  by  3d  to  6th  quills ; 
2d  shorter  than  7tli ;  1st 
about  I  the  2d.  Tail  length- 
ened. Sexesgenerally  alike, 

but  distinguishable  by  posi- 
(Ad.  nat.  del.  EC)  ..  ,  i        .      ,         , 

tive     marks     about     head. 

Plumage  highly  variegated  and  very  showy.  Under  parts  with  numerous  circular  black  spots 
on  a  pale  ground.  A  large  black  pectoral  crescent.  Rump  snowy-white.  Back,  wing-coverts, 
and  innermost  quills  brown  with  an  olive  or  lilac  shade,  and  thickly  barred  with  black  ;  quills 
and  tail  black,  excepting  as  l)elow  stated;  red  or  black  cheek  patches  in  ^,  wanting  in  ?. 
About  12.00  long;  wing  about  G.OO;  tail  4.50.  A  beautiful  genus,  of  several  American  spe- 
cies, besides  those  of  North  America. 


Fig  412. 


Flicker,  nat   size. 


PICID.E  —  PICIN.E :    WOODPECKERS. 


599 


Analysis  of  Species  and  Subspecies  or   Variations. 

tj  Black  moustaches  and  red  nape.     Rump  snowy-white. 

Wings  and  tail  golden- yellow  underneath  ;  belly  yellowish  ;  back  olivaceous-brown ;  throat  lilac-brown  ;  cap  ashy. 

Eastern  N   A auratus  and  luleiis 

[Characters  mixed  in  every  degree  between  the  foregoing  and  next  following.     Upper  Missouri  and  Rocky  Mt. 

regions ayresi] 

(f  Red  moustaches  and  no  red  on  nape.     Rump  snowy  or  slightly  pinkish  white 

Wings  and  tail  orange-red  underneath ;  belly  not  yellowish  ;  back  brownish ;  throat  ashy ;  cap  lilac-brown.     Wing 
6.50;  bill  1.50. 

Back  lighter  brown.     The  stock  form  of  Western  N.  A mezicanus 

Back  darker  brown.     The  dark  form  of  the  N.  W.  coast  region        m.  saturatior 

Wings  and  tail  bricky-red  underneath  ;  rump  soiled  whitish  ;  belly  not  yellowi.sh  ;  back  brownish  ;  throat  ashy  ;  cap 

cinnamon-brown.     Wing  G.OO ;  bill  l.(K).     Guadalupe  Island riifipileits 

Wings  and  tail  golden-yellow  ;  belly  hardly  yellowish  ;  back  umber-brown  ;  throat  ashy ,  cap  cinnamon-brown.    Wing 
hardly  GOO  ;  bill  \M). 

Back  ligliter  bro^v^l.     The  stock  form  of  Southwestern  N.  A chrysoiiles 

Back  darker  brown.     The  dark  form  of  some  parts  of  Lower  California c.  bruniiescens 

Obs.     It  will  be  noted  how  curiously  these  species  are  distinguished  mainly  by  different  combinations  of  common 
characters. 

C.  aura'tus.  (L;it.  auratus,  gulden,  gildccl.  Figs.  412.  41:}.)  Goldex-wixgei)  Wood- 
pecker. Yellow-shafted  Woodpecker.  Pigeon  Woodpecker.  Flicker.  Yucker. 
Yarup.  Wake-up.  Clape.  High-hole.  High-holder.  Yellow-hammer.  Back 
and  exposed  surfaces  of  wing-coverts  and  secondaries  olive- 
brown  witli  numerous  black  bars.  Kunip  snowy-white; 
upper  tail-coverts  white,  mixed  with  black.  Primaries 
blackish,  with  golden  shafts,  and  glossed  with  golden  un- 
derneath, at  their  bases  paler  and  more  tawny  yellow. 
Tail-feathers  above  black,  their  shafts  and  under  surfaces  S-  "  ■>, 
golden,  blackened  at  ends,  the  outermost  with  a  few  touches 
of  yellow  or  white.     Top  nf  liead,  with  back  and  sides  of  ^^•^ 

neck,  ash,  with   a  scarlet   nuchal   band   (in   both   sexes). 
Sides  of  head,   whole  chin,   throat,  and  fore-breast  lilac-        «P^w*'f  *-     * 
brown,   with    broad   black    cheek-patches,   these    "  mous-       mm^k^'^'k^. 
taches      wanting  usually  in  the  9 »  exceptionally  showing      M|^&rfVM  -v  '.^       U. 
red  touches  in  the  $.     A  broad  black  pectoral  semilune.      ^HB^Br-LV  irfSf^'i'^ 
r)ther  under  parts  shading  fnun  a  lighter  shade  of  color  of      ^^^^^|F^    Uj-'  ^4iwC^'   ""      >  \\ 
breast  into  creamy- yellow,  nuirked  with  numerous  circular      l^^BlElfi  '^    ridtmM  '  ■■  ■^•^  ^^  .', 

black  spots.      Hill  and  feet  dark  plumbeous.     Iris  brown.        

Length    12.00-13.00;    extent    1800-21.00,   usually  about        ^Pnir^JPHPfS^": '       '      / 

20.00;  wiuii  5.75-6.2.5;  tail  4. .50;   bill    1.25-1.50;  whole         BiH/f.*!*' 

fiot  2. .■{:{.     Young  similar:    more  red  on  head.     Eastern         l^Bw/  ^i*     v,  .  i 

X.  .\m.;   \.  to  Labrador,  Hudson's  Bay,  etc.,  and  farther  ^^HmP^  I'V^  .'  V/ 

X.   \V.   to    the  Arctic  circle;    casual   in   California;   a(^ci-  ^Btj^   ■^''\'  ( 

dental  in  Greenland  and  Europe;  in  the  West  regularly  to 

the  Great  Plains.   l)Ut  in  the  easternmost  foothills  of  the 

Rocky  Mts.   meeting  and  mixing  with  C.  mc.ricanus  (see 

ni-xt  article).     The  species  keeps  pretty  pure  to  the  Upper 

.Missouri,  wiiere  adulterated  with  mexicanns  ;  pure  to  the 

Pacific  in  Alaska.     The  first  deviation  is  appearance  of  red  ——■» 

feathers  in  black  maxillary  patches  ;  these  increase  till  they  wBRtf;  aJ(Mk 

prevail,  finally  to  exclusion  of  black,  resulting  in  the  wholly  fio.  413.  — Golden- wing««d  Woodpecker, 

re.l  patch  of  meximnus.     With  this  change  occurs  diminu'-     »  ""'•  """•    <'''°'"  """'""■' 

tion  ami  final  extinction  of  tlic  scarlet  nuchal  crescent  ;   when,  coincidently,  wp  find  the  cliar- 

acteri.stic  golden-yellow  on  wings  and  tail  passing  through  an  intermeiliule  tiraugo  into  the  red 


600  S  YS  TEMA  TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  PICARIAi  —  PI  CI. 

of  C-  mexicanics,  a  change  accompanied  with  another  affecting  the  peculiar  lilac-hrown  of 
throat  and  olive-brown  of  back,  which  become  respectively  ashen  and  purplish-gray.  One 
of  the  most  abundant  and  best-known  species  of  the  family,  in  any  woodland,  sometimes  for- 
aging for  food  in  open  country  far  from  trees  :  a  great  ant-eater  and  berry-|)icker.  A  lively 
bird,  of  sunny  temperament,  like  its  feathers,  faithful  and  devoted,  assiduous  and  successful  in 
domestic  affairs,  and  a  good  housekeeper.  The  bill  of  the  Flicker  is  not  so  strong  a  "hammer 
and  tongs  "  as  that  of  most  Woodpeckers,  and  the  bird  excavates  sound  wood  for  a  nest  less 
extensively  than  those  of  other  genera ;  it  generally  takes  advantage  of  natural  holes  in  de- 
cayed trees,  stumps,  posts,  etc.,  and  sometimes  selects  very  odd  nooks  —  it  is  known  to  have 
burrowed  even  a  haystack,  and  has  nested  within  buildings.  Eggs  5-9,  usually  6  or  7 ;  under 
exceptional  circumstances  18  to  23  have  been  taken  from  one  hole;  a  case  is  recorded  of  19 
young  birds  in  good  order  in  one  nest;  and  another  in  which  systematic  robbery  induced  one 
bird  to  lay  71  eggs  in  73  days!  The  eggs  average  1.10  X  0.85,  with  extremes  of  1.20  X 
0.90  and  0.97  X  0.82  in  a  series  of  196  measurements  (Bendire). 

C.  a.  lu'teus.  (Lat.  lutetis,  yelhtwish,  luteous.)  Northern  Flicker.  This  name  desig- 
nates northerly  specimens  of  the  common  Flicker,  with  those  who  wish  to  restrict  the  name 
auratus  to  S.  Atlantic  and  Gulf  Coast  specimens.  Eange  given  as  from  N.  Carolina  north- 
ward, west  to  the  Rocky  Mts.,  and  occasional  on  the  Pacific  slope  from  California  northward. 
Bangs,  Auk,  Apr.  1898,  p.  177:  A  0.  U.  Suppl.  List,  Auk,  Jan.  1899,  p.  HI,  No.  412a. 
[C.  ayresi  (AUD.).  C.  hybridus  (Bd.).  C.  aurato-inexicaiius  (Sund.).  Ayres'  Wood- 
pecker. Hybrid  Flicker.  Yellow-and-red-shaftkd  Flicker.  A  species,  subspe- 
cies, varietv,  race,  strain,  hybrid,  or  transitional  form,  in  wliich  the  respective  characters  of 
C.  auratus  and  C  mexicanus  are  blended  in  every  conceivable  degree  in  different  specimens. 
Moustaches  red  or  black,  or  partly  both,  on  one  or  both  sides  of  the  body,  and  present  or  ab- 
sent in  the  9 ;  red  moustaches  present  with  yellow  wings  and  tail,  or  black  ones  with  red 
wings  and  tail.  Red  nuchal  crescent  present  or  absent ;  present  in  connection  with  red  wings 
and  tail.  Either  of  the  foregoing  features  concurrent  with  ashy  or  with  lilac  brown  throat; 
either  color  of  throat  coincident  with  yellow  or  with  red  wings  and  tail.  Wings  and  tail  gilded 
on  some  of  the  feathers,  rubricated  (m  others  on  one  or  both  sides.  Such  Flickers  prevail 
widely  in  the  Rocky  Mountain  region,  in  some  parts  to  the  exclusion  of  birds  showing  the 
proper  characters  of  either  species.  The  case  is  unique  in  ornithology,  and  has  proved  refrac- 
tory to  the  machinery  of  zoological  classification  —  tot  homines,  tot  sententice.  It  was  first 
brought  to  light  in  1843,  when  Audubon  found  tlie  birds  he  subsequently  named  C  ayresii  at 
old  Fort  Union,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Yellowstone  river,  on  l\\e  Miss(juri,  at  the  present  border 
between  North  Dakota  and  ]Montana;  I  liave  read  in  liis  manuscript,  penned  on  the  spot,  his 
naive  expressions  of  amazement  at  a  phenomenon  which  has  served  to  pique  curiosity  and 
complete  perplexity  from  that  day  to  tliis.  But  to  me  it  seems  a  simple  case  of  hybridization 
on  a  grand  scale,  with  reproduction  of  fertile  offspring  sharing  the  characters  of  both  parents, 
and  perpetuating  their  mixed  kind,  no  doubt  with  repeated  or  continuous  infusion  of  pure  blood 
from  each  side  of  the  house.  But  so  remarkable  a  result  of  interbreeding  or  intergradation  should 
not  be  ignored,  as  it  is  in  the  A.  0.  U.  List ;  and  I  see  no  objection  to  giving  it  a  name.  No 
one  objects  to  the  term  Canis  familiaris  for  the  domestic  dog,  which  is  certainly  a  composite 
product  of  various  canine  ancestry.] 

C.  mexica'nus.  (Of  Mexico.)  Red-shafted  Woodpecker.  Mexican  Flicker.  Back, 
rump,  and  upper  surfaces  of  wings  and  tail  as  in  C  auratus,  but  a  different  shade  of  color,  a 
faintly  reddish  replacing  the  olivaceous  tinge  of  the  common  brownish  ground-color.  Wings 
and  tail  of  the  same  pattern,  but  the  auration  replaced  by  rubefaction,  the  under  surfaces  being 
thus  orange-red  or  even  vermilion,  instead  of  golden-yellow.  Top  of  head  like  the  throat  of 
C.  auratus,  but  more  cinnamon  than  lilac-brown,  especially  on  the  forehead ;  no  occipital  red 
crescent  in  either  sex.     Throat  and  sides  of  head  and  neck  clear  ash,  with  scarlet  maxillary 


PICW.E  —  PIClXyE:    WOODPECKERS.  601 

patches  in  ^,  the  position  of  wliich  may  he  indicated  in  the  9  by  brown  patches.  A  black 
pectoral  seniilune,  as  in  others  of  this  genus.  Under  parts  very  pale  lilac- brown,  fading  to 
whitish  on  tlie  belly,  marked  with  numerous  round  black  spots.  Bill  blackish- slate ;  feet  dark 
]ihimbeous.  Iris  brown.  Size  oi  aitnttits,  or  ratlier  larger;  length  sometimes  up  to  14.00 ; 
wing  up  to  7.00;  tail  to  5.00;  bill  about  1..30.  Western  X.  Am.,  mostly  replacing  C.  auratus 
from  the  Rocky  Mts.  to  the  Pacific,  but  mixed  therewith  over  the  extensive  region  in  wliich 
C.  aijresi  prevails;  replaced  by  C.  satiiratior  on  the  N.  W.  coast;  S.  in  Lower  California  to  the 
San  Pedro  Mts.,  whence  yielding  to  C.  chrysoides  ;  S.  in  Mexico  to  Tehuautepec  lu  habits 
a  perfect  counterpart  of  the  common  Flicker,  with  all  of  its  vagaries,  and  even  more  irregular 
in  residence  or  migration,  as  the  character  of  the  country  inhabited  is  much  more  diverse. 
Ranges  in  mountains  up  to  10,000  feet,  and  thence  down  to  sea  level,  in  all  kinds  of  woods, 
also  sometimes  far  from  any  trees.  It  nests  not  only  in  holes  in  trees,  as  usual,  but  also  in 
odd  nooks  about  buildings,  and  has  been  known  to  burrow  under  ground.  Eggs  April-June, 
'i-H)  or  more,  usually  6  or  8,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  C.  auratus,  averaging  a  trifle 
larger,  about  1.12  X  0.85,  running  up  to  1.25  and  down  to  1.00  in  length.  C  mexicanus 
Key,  1884-90;  C.  cafer  A.  0.  U.  Lists.  With  every  disposition  to  follow  the  dogma  and  ritual 
of  the  A.  0.  U.,  I  cannot  bring  myself  to  call  this  bird  C.  cafer,  for  no  better  reason  than  be- 
cause Picits  cafer  Gm.  1788  was  mistaken  for  a  bird  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope !  Say  what 
we  please  in  our  canons,  there  is  something  in  a  name  after  all,  and  "the  letter  of  the  law 
killeth"  when  wrenched  from  its  spirit,  in  defiance  of  science  and  common  sense.  Individually 
I  cannot  incur  the  penalty  of  deliberately  using  for  a  North  American  bird  a  name  only  appli- 
cable to  one  from  South  Africa.  The  fact  that  "  Cafer"  is  a  sort  of  Latin  for  Caffraria  or  Caf- 
frariau  makes  its  use  in  this  connection  as  bad  as  "Hottentot  Woodpecker"  or  "  Zulu  Flicker" 
would  bo;  and  how  would  such  a  combination  sound  in  plain  English? 

C.  111.  satura'tior.  (Lat.  comparative  degree  of  satiiratus,  saturated,  sc.  witli  ccjlor;  dark  in 
color.)  Northwestern  Red-siiafted  Woodpecker.  Northwestern  Flicker.  The 
dark  \)ha.sc  of  mexicanus.  Back  deeper  brown,  approaching  burnt  umber;  belly  of  a  deeper 
color;  throat  dark  ashy  or  plumbeous;  cap  dark.  No  difference  in  size  as  a  whole,  or  in  any 
]iart.  I'acific  coast  region  from  N.  California  to  Sitka,  Alaska.  C.  m.  saturatwr  Ridgw.  Pr. 
Jiiol.  Soc.  Washu.  Apr.  1884,  p.  90;  C.  cafer  saturatior,  A.  0.  U.  Lists,  1st  ed.  188G,  2d  ed. 
1895,  No.  413  rt,-  RiuGW.  Man.  1887,  p.  2!)G.  Not  admitted  in  previous  eds.  of  the  Key,  nt>t 
recognized  in  Brit.  Mus.  Cat.  1890. 

C.  rufipil'eus.  (Lat.  rufus,  rufous;  pileum  ox  pileus,  top  of  the  head,  crown,  ca]).)  Insilar 
Reo-shaited  Woodpecker.  Guadalupe  Flicker.  Resembling  C.  mexicanus;  smaller, 
wings  and  tail  shorter,  bill  longer.  Terminal  black  of  the  tail  longer,  occujjying  2.50  instead 
of  about  2  inches.  Red  parts  of  a  dull  bricky  tone,  like  red-lead.  Rump  of  a  pale  pinkish,  or 
.^liglitly  soiled  tint  instead  of  pure  white  ;  crown  cinnamon-brown,  becoming  deeper  rufous  ante- 
riorly. Wing  5.90-G.25;  tail  4.75-5.25;  bill  1.(50-1.85,  slender,  with  decided  curvature.  An 
insular  form,  approaching  C  chrysoides  m  some  respects,  especially  the  color  of  tlie  crown,  but 
distinctively  red-shafted,  not  yellow-shafted.  Guadalupe  Island,  Lower  California,  resident: 
ni'st  in  March  and  April;  eggs  about  G,  1.14  X  0.87,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  otlier 
species.  C.  mexicanus  rufipileus  Ridgw.  Bull.  U.  S.  Geol.  Surv.  Terr.  ii.  No.  2,  187G,  p.  191  ; 
('dues.  Key,  .'id  and  4th  eds.  1887-90,  p.  881  ;  C.  rufipileus  Ridgw.  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  July, 
1887,  p.  GO;  A.  0.  U.  Lists,  1st  ed.  188G,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  415;  Ridgw.  Man.  1887.  p.  2!H5. 
C.  chrysoi'des.  (Gr.  ;^puo-dr,  chrusos,  gold;  fi8o{,  eidos,  like.)  Gilded  Woodi'Eikku. 
Gila  Flickkr.  Body,  wings,  and  tail  substantially  ;is  m  C.  auratus  ;  head  as  in  C-  mexi- 
canus :  (J  with  .scarlet  moustaches;  no  red  mi  nape  m  either  sex;  crown  cinnamon-brown; 
chin,  throat,  and  fore-breast  ash  ;  sides  tinged  with  creamy-brown,  belly  with  yellowisli. 
There  an",  however,  some  specialties.  Golden  of  wings  and  tail  less  vivid  than  in  C.  auratus, 
that  on  the  tail  incliniiii,'  to  wa\y-yellow  ;  tail-feathers  black  for  about  half  tlicir  length,  their 


602  SYSTEM  A  TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  PICARI.E  —  COCCYGES. 

shafts  entirely  black  on  top,  though  yellow  in  part  underneath.  General  tone  of  under  parts 
pale  grayish-white,  without  the  decided  tints  of  either  of  the  other  species,  the  round  black 
spots  large  and  crowded.  Top  of  head  purer  and  more  cinnamon-brown  than  in  C.  rnexicanus; 
more  nearly  as  in  C.  rufipileus.  Small;  length  ll. 00-12. 00;  vA'ing  5.50-6.00;  tail  about  4.00; 
bill  1.50  or  less.  Gradation  between  this  form  and  C.  rnexicanus  has  not  yet  been  observed, 
but  very  likely  does  occur.  Valley  of  the  Gila  and  Lower  Colorado  rivers,  Arizona,  and  con- 
tiguous portions  of  California,  probably  also  reaching  southern  Nevada  and  the  S.  W.  corner 
of  Utah ;  Sonora ;  Lower  California  S.  of  Lat.  30°.  Like  the  Gila  species  of  Centurus,  the 
Gila  Flicker  ranges  in  the  region  of  the  giant  cactus,  in  which  it  nests  in  April,  May,  and  June, 
laying  5  or  fewer  eggs,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  other  Flickers. 

C.  c.  brunnes'cens.  (Lat.  brownish,  growing  brown.)  Veneered  Woodpecker.  Quite 
like  C.  chrysoides  ;  upper  parts  darker ;  size  slightly  smaller.  Terminal  black  of  tail  one-third 
its  length,  its  yellow  dull  waxy  contrasting  with  chrome  yellow  of  the  wings  underneath  ;  back 
bister-brown ;  throat  dark  ash ;  cap  cintiamon-brown ;  ground  of  lower  parts  grayish-white, 
with  numerous  round  and  cordate  black  spots;  upper  tail-coverts  white,  with  large  round  black 
spots.  San  Fernando,  Lower  California.  Anthony,  Auk,  Oct.  1895,  p.  347;  A.  0.  U.  Suppl. 
List,  Auk,  Jan.  1897,  p.  120,  No.  414  a. 

Suborder  COCCYGES :  Cuculiform  Birds. 

See  p.  542  for  analytical  characters  of  the  suborder,  as  now  restricted  to  the  two  families 
Cuculidce  and  Miisophagidce.  Thus  purged  of  its  non-conformable  elements,  the  group  may 
be  defined  with  precision,  and  must  not  be  mistaken  for  the  heterogeneous  Coccygomorphce  or 
Cuculiformes  of  various  writers,  and  of  former  editions  of  the  Key.  The  Coccyges  in  the  strict 
sense  have  lately  been  called  Zygodactyli,  a  term  expressive  of  a  principal  external  character- 
istic, as  the  Coccyges  are  yoke-toed  by  permanent  reversion  or  versatility  of  the  4th  toe,  but 
one  which  is  not  distinctive  and  therefore  ineligible  ;  for  the  Woodpeckers  and  several  other 
families  ot  Piciform  birds  share  this  character.  The  fundamental  feature  of  Coccyges  is  the 
presence  of  the  ambiens  muscle,  here  only  among  Picarice ;  the  true  Cuculiform  birds  are 
therefore  homalogonatous,  all  other  Picarians  being  anomalogonatous.  They  are  furthermore 
the  only  ones  with  an  accessory  femorocaudal,  as  throughout  the  Miisopliagidee  and  in  several 
l)ut  not  all  the  subfamilies  of  CuculidcB.  The  flexor  longus  hallucis  supplies  the  hallux;  the 
flexor  digitorum  perforans  has  three  tendons  for  the  other  three  digits.  The  palate  is  desmog- 
nathous,  without  basipterygoids.  The  spinal  pteryla  forks  in  the  scapular  region.  The  two 
families  are  readily  distinguished  by  the  combination,  in  MiisophagidcB,  of  the  constant  formula 
AB  X  Y,  tufted  oil-gland,  no  cfeca,  aftershafted  plumage,  versatile  4th  digit,  and  10  rectrices, 
as  contrasted  with  the  inconstant  formula  A  B  X  Y  or  A  X  Y,  nude  oil-gland,  two  caeca,  no 
aftershafts,  permanently  reversed  4th  digit,  and  10  or  8  rectrices,  in  CucuUdce.  The  former 
family  is  exclusively  Ethiopian  ;  the  latter  is  cosmopolitan. 

Family  CUCULID^ :   Cuckoos. 

Homalogonatous  Picarice  zygodactylous  hy  reversion  of  the  fourth  toe.  The  only  other 
North  American  birds  with  toes  yoked  in  the  same  combination  are  Picidte  and  Psittaci,  whose 
numerous  specialties  will  prevent  any  misconception  regarding  CuculidcB.  The  latter  are 
desmognathous  in  palatal  structure,  and  homalogonatous,  having  the  ambiens  and  three  or  all 
four  of  the  other  leg-muscles  used  for  classificatory  purposes ;  in  these  important  respects  dif- 
fering from  all  birds  previously  treated  in  this  work.  There  are  two  carotids.  The  syringes 
vary  from  tracheobronchial  through  pseudobronchial  to  bronchial,  paired.  The  oil-gland  is 
nude,  but  cjeca  are  present,  and  the  plumage  is  not  aftershafted.     The  family  is  a  large  and 


CUCULID.E:    CUCKOOS. 


603 


important  one.  It  comprehends  quite  a  number  of  leading  forms  showing  certain  modifications 
of  the  syrinx  or  syringes,  of  the  pterylosis,  of  the  hind  claw,  and  even  of  the  myological  for- 
mula.    These   correspond   in  

great    measure    with    certain  'g^^^^s^- ^a^!*^  ^^^=7-  ^.  ^^ir-^ 

geographical  areas  of  faunal 

distribution,  and  are  generally  r~Tf^      ^^^^^  -  ■*,/!?*.. 

held  to  constitute  subfamilies. 
But  the  subdivision  of  the 
family  is  still  in  such  an  un- 
satisfactory state,  that  I  am 
furtunate  in  being  required  to 
treat  critically  of  only  the 
North  American  forms,  which 
include  representatives  of 
three  indisputably  distinct 
subfamilies  ;  among  them  are 
Cnculince,  or  typical  Cuckoos         _  -s  J   , 

allied    to    the    European    G.  ^  -  ,  ''^;^  ^        ^, 

canorus    (fig.   414),    famous,  -;     **-  '  ■^^^^^^^     jL 

like    our    Cowbird,    for   their  ^ ---^^P^^'-it/' ^^Sfc" -4- 

parasitism.     None  of  the  (7(«-  -  ^__       '    il^^^k //   .yi  '-{"f-ir 

culinre  proper  have  an  acces- 
sory femorocaudal,  their  syrinx 

is    tracheobronchial,    and    the  Fm.  4U.- European  Cuckoo,  C«^«/«..  c««.nu.     (From  Dixon.) 

ventral  pteryla  gives  off  no  lateral  branches,  though  it  is  more  or  less  split  in  two  lateral  halves 
by  a  median  space.  The  Oltl  World  genera  Eudynamis  and  Phccnicophaes  rej)resent  a  group 
in  which  tlie  muscle  just  named  is  present,  the  syrinx  tracheobronchial,  and  the  ventral  pteryhi 
branched  on  each  side.  The  very  large  Old  World  genus  Centropus  represents  yet  another 
group,  whose  characters  are  much  the  same  as  the  last  said,  but  they  are  terrestrial,  with  long 
straight  hind  claws,  being  the  so-called  "  Lark-heeled  "  or  Spurred  Cuckoos,  or  Coucals.  In  these 
the  syringes  are  pseudo-bronchial.  The  Neotropical  genera  Diplopterus  and  Dromococcyx  have 
peculiarly  elongated  upper  tail-coverts;  the  Couince  &rG  a  peculiar  Madagascan  type.  Each  one 
of  the  groups  thus  indicated  may  possibly  be  regarded  as  a  subfamily,  as  is  certainly  the  case 
with  the  groups  represented  by  Geococcyx  and  Crotophaga  respectively  (see  below).  There 
are  altogether  over  40  genera  and  some  150  good  species  of  the  family.  Many  of  them,  be- 
sides the  one  instanced,  lay  eggs  in  other  birds'  nests.  The  American  Cuckoos  have  been 
declared  free  of  suspicion  of  such  domestic  irregularities  ;  but,  though  i)retty  well  behaved, 
their  record  is  not  quite  clean :  they  do  sometimes  slip  into  the  wrong  nest.  The  curious  infe- 
licity seems  to  be  connected  in  some  way  with  the  inability  of  the  9  to  complete  her  clutch 
of  eggs  with  the  rapidity  and  regularity  usual  among  birds,  and  so  incubate  them  iu  one  batch. 
The  nests  of  our  species  of  Coccyzus  commonly  contain  young  by  the  time  the  last  egg  of  the 
lot  is  laid. 

We  have  four  very  distinct  genera,  representing  three  subfamilies. 

Analysis  of  Siib/nmilies  and  Genera. 

Crotophaoin*;.     Terrestrial.    Tail  of  eight  feathers. 

Bill  compressed,  crested.     PlumaRe  lustrous  black Crotophaga 

NEO.MouPHiNiK.     Terrestrial.     Tail  of  10  feathers.     Feet  ambulatorial,  with  long  tarsi.     Wings  short,  concavo-convex. 

1-lill  long,  slender.     Plumage  highly  variegated Geococn/x 

Cuci'LiN*.     Arl)i>reiil.     Tail  of  10  feathers.     Feet  insessorial,  with  short  tarsi.     Wings  long,  flat. 

Cluiuagf  plain.      I'ropcrly  Anicricaii     (forcyzinw) I'i>rry:us 

Plumage  variegated.     Properly  Old  World ('k<-m/u4 


604 


SYSTEM  A  TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  PICARIjE  —  COCCYGES. 


Subfamily   CROTOPHACIN/E :   Anis;   Cuiras. 

Syringes  bronchial.  Myological  formula  including  an  accessory  fenioroeaudal.  Ventral 
pteryla  forked  on  each  side.  Tail  of  eiriht  ftiathers,  graduated,  longer  than  rounded  wings. 
Bill  and  externals  of  plumage  differing  in  the  two  genera,  Crotophaga  and  Guira,  of  which  this 
small  American  subfamily  is  composed. 

CKOTO'PHAGA.  (Gr.  Kporwv,  kroton,  a  bug;  (pdyos,  phagos,  eating.)  Anis.  Bill  about 
as  long  as  head,  extremely  compressed,  cultrate  with  regularly  convex  or  angulated  culmen 
rising  into  a  thin  vertical  crest,  its  sides  smooth,  wrinkled,  or  sulcate;  tip  of  upper  mandible 
decurved  over  end  of  lower;  gonys  straight.  Wings  rounded;  4th  or  .5th  primary  longest,  1st 
quite  short.  Tail-feathers  broad,  widening  to  very  obtuse  ends.  Tarsus  longer  than  middle 
toe,  anteriorly  broadly  scutellate,  the  sides  with  large  plates  meeting  in  a  ridge  behind.  Plu- 
mage uniform  (black),  lustrous;  feathers  of  head  and  neck  length- 
ened, lanceolate,  distinct,  with  scale-like  margins ;  face  naked. 
Terrestrial.  Nest  in  trees  and  buslies.  According  to  the  concur- 
rent testimony  of  various  independent  observers,  the  cuculine  irreg- 
ularity of  nesting  is  expressed 
in  a  very  curious  manner,  in 
the  case  of  C.  ani  at  least ;  sev- 
eral birds  forming  a  sort  of 
colony  of  Communists  uniting 
to  build  a  large  nest  to  be 
used  in  common.     The  indefi- 


nitely  numerous  eggs  are  greenish-blue,  overlaid  with  a  white 

chalky  substance,  easily  rubbed  off  when  fresh. 

C.    a'ni.      (The    Brazilian    name.      Fig.    415.)     Ani.     Black 

Witch.     Tick-bird.     Savanna  Blackbikd.     Bill  smooth  or 

with  a  few  transverse  wrinkles  ;  culmen  regularly  curved.     Adult 

$  9  '■  Black,  with  violet  and  steel-blue  reflections,  duller  below ; 

lanceolate  feathers  of  head  and  neck  with  bronze  borders.     Iris 

brown.    Length  13.00-15.00  ;  wing  6.00  ;  tail  8.00 ;  tarsus  1.50. 

Young  simply  dull  blackish.     Eggs  very  variable  in   size  and    shape,   about  1.35   X    1-00. 

Tropical  America ;  West  Indies ;  Florida  and  Louisiana ;  accidental  near  Philadelphia. 

C.  sulciros'tris.     (Lat.  sulcus,  a  groove  ;  rostris,  pertaining  to  the  beak.)     Groove-billed 

Ani.     Jew-bird.     Bill  with  3  distinct  grooves  on  upper  mandible,  parallel  with  the  regularly 

curved  culmen.     Adult  ^  9  '■  Black,  with  steel-blue  and  violet  reflections,  more  olive-brown 

on  belly;  scaly  feathers  of  head  and  neck  bronzy,  of  breast,  back,  and  wings  metallic-greenish. 

Wings  with  4th  and  5th  quills  longest,  3d  little  shorter,  2d  nearly  an  inch,  1st  nearly  2  inches 

from  point  of  wing.     Bill  more  than  twice  as  high  as  broad  at  the  base;  0.85  high,  0.37  broad, 

1.20  long.     Bill  and  feet  black,  scaling  grayish  in  some  places.     Iris  brown.     Length  14.50  ; 


Fig.   415. —Ani, 
(From  Brehm.) 


CUCULID.E  —  NEOMORPHIN.E :    GROUND   CUCKOOS.  605 

extent  17.00;  wing  5.50-6.00 ;  tail  7.50-8.00,  graduated  2  inches;  tarsus,  or  middle  toe  and 
claw,  1.50.  Young  dull  sooty  blackish.  Tropical  America;  N.  along  the  U.  S.  border, 
locally  or  irregularly ;  common  in  Texas  in  the  lower  Rio  Grande  valley,  where  it  breeds. 
Eggs  said  to  be  usually  five,  but  indefinitely  numerous  and  no  peculiarity  of  nesting  noted 
in  comparison  with  C.  ani,  both  species  being  irregular ;  nest  of  twigs,  lined  with  fibrous 
roots,  leaves,  etc.,  in  a  tree  or  bush;  eggs  averaging  1.25  X  0.95. 

Subfamily   NEOMORPHiN/E  :   Ground  Cuckoos. 

Syringes  pseudobronchial ;  myological  formula  and  pterylosis  as  in  Crotophagince.  Tail 
of  ten  feathers,  graduated,  longer  than  the  short,  rounded,  concavo-convex  wings,  which  hug 
the  body  snugly  when  folded,  and  whose  long  inner  secondaries  reach  nearly  or  quite  to  the 
ends  of  the  primaries ;  upper  tail-coverts  also  lengthened.  Bill 
not  peculiar.  Feet  large  and  strong,  in  adaptation  to  terrestrial 
habits,  but  hind  claw  not  peculiar  (as  it  is  in  Centropodince) . 
This  subfamily  has  a  certain  gallinaceous  suggestiveness,  the 
birds  being  more  or  less  pheasant-like  in  external  appearance. 
With  the  possible  or  probable  exception  of  the  genus  Carpo- 
coccyx  of  Borneo  and  Sumatra,  brought  to  this  connection  by 
some  writers,  the  Neomorpliina:  are  exclusively  American,  and 
especially  Neotropical.  Three  genera  belonging  to  this  group 
are  Neomorphus,  Geococajx,  and  Morococojx ;  from  these  the 
genera  Diplopterus  and  Dromococcyx  appear  to  difi"er  little,  in 
externals  at  any  rate ;  though  they  have  been  put  in  a  separate  Fio.  4ir,.  —  Head  of  Geococcyx. 

subfiimily  DiplopterintB,  characterized  by  the  greater  elongation  ^  ^^^  assm.) 
of  the  ui)per  tail-coverts,  which  reach  to  the  end  of  the  tail  in  Dromococcyx.  Should  the  two 
last- named  genera  prove  to  agree  with  the  NeomorphincB  proper  in  structural  characters,  and 
should  Carpococcyx  be  referable  elsewhere,  the  present  would  become  a  compact  and  well- 
characterized  subfamily  of  American  Ground  Cuckoos.  (Subfamily  Saurotherince  of  former 
editions  of  the  Key  ;  but  the  uncertainty  regarding  the  systematic  position  of  the  West  Indian 
Saurothera  makes  it  ineligible  as  the  name-giving  genus.  In  the  most  important  respects 
Saurothera  is  said  by  Beddard  to  agree  with  Piaya,  Coccyziis,  etc.,  and  tlius  to  belong  to  the 
CuculincB.  On  external  indications  alone  it  is  arranged  by  Shelley  with  Piaya,  Hyetornis, 
etc.,  under  a  subfamily  Pha^nicophaince.  As  the  name-giving  genus  of  the  present  sul)family 
Neomorphus  Gloger,  1827,  antedates  Geococcyx  Wagler,  1831.  See  Coues,  Auk,  Jan. 
1897,  p.  90;  A.  0.  U.  Suppl.  List,  Auk,  Jan.  1899,  p.  110.) 

GEOCOCCYX.  (Gr.  yrj,  gc,  the  ground;  kokkv^,  kokkux,  a  cuckoo.  Ground  Cuckoos. 
Head  crested;  most  feathers  of  head  and  neck  bristle-tipped;  eyelids  lashed;  whole  plumage 
coarse.  A  bare  colored  space  around  eye.  Bill  about  as  long  as  head,  nearly  straiglit,  but 
witli  culuicn  and  cdimnissiire  mucli  decurved  toward  end,  gonys  if  anything  a  little  concave, 
and  rictus  ample.  Wings  very  slu>rt  and  concavo-convex,  with  long  inner  secondaries  folding 
entirely  over  jirimaries;  4th,  5th,  and  succeeding  primaries  longer  than  8d,  2d,  and  1st,  which 
rapidly  shorten.  Tail  of  10  long  tapering  feathers,  mucli  graduated,  making  more  than  J  total 
length  of  the  bird.  Feet  large  and  strong,  in  adaptation  to  terrestrial  life;  tarsus  longer  th.an 
toes,  scutellate  before  and  behind.  Plumage  lustrous  and  variegated  above.  Sexes  substan- 
tially alike.  Eminently  terrestrial ;  nest  in  bushes  ;  eggs  numerous.  Two  specie's  :  G.  ajjinis 
of  Mexico,  and  the  following. 

G.  califuriiia'iius.  (r)f  California.  Figs.  4 HI,  417.)  Ground  Cuckoo.  Chaparral 
Cock.  Ivoad  Kinnkr.  Snake  Killer.  Lizard  1*.ii;d.  Churca.  Palsano.  Cokre- 
CAMiNn.      Most   feathers  of  head  and   necl<   Itristle-tipiied  ;   a   nalci'd  area   around- eye;   crown 


606 


SYSTEMATIC   SYNOPSIS.  — PICARI^  —  COCCYGES. 


crested;  plumage  coarse.  Adult  $  9:  Above,  lustrous  bronzy  or  coppery-greeu,  cbanging  to 
dark  steel-blue  on  head  and  neck,  to  purplish-violet  on  middle  tail-feathers;  everywhere  except 
on  rump  conspicuously  streaked  with  white,  mixed  with  tawny  on  head,  neck,  and  wings  — 
this  white  and  buflf  streaking  consisting  of  edges  of  the  feathers,  which  are  frayed  out,  fringe- 
like, producing  a  peculiar  effect.  Breast,  throat,  and  sides  of  neck  mixed  tawny-white  and 
black;  other  under  parts  dull  soiled  whitish.  Primaries  white-tipped  and  with  oblique  white 
space  on  outer  webs.  Lateral  tail-feathers  steel-blue  with  green  and  violet  reflections,  their 
outer  webs  fringed  part  way  with  white,  their  tips  broadly  white.  Lower  back  and  rump, 
where  covered  by  the  folded  wings,  dark-colored  and  unmarked ;  under  surface  of  wings  sooty- 
brown.  Bare  space  around  eye  blue,  bluish-white,  and  orange:  iris  red.  Bill  dark  horn- 
color  ;  feet  the  same,  the  larger  scales  yellowish.  Young  birds  are  very  similar,  the  iridescence 
developing  with  the  first  growth  of  the  feathers,  as  in  a  Magpie;  more  white  and  less  tawny 


Fig.  417.  —  Ground  Cuckoo,  J  nat.  size. 


(From  Brehm.) 


in  the  streaking.  Nearly  two  feet  long ;  tail  a  foot  or  less ;  wing  Q-7  inches ;  tarsus  2.00 ;  bill 
1.66-2.00.  Western  U.  S.,  southerly  ;  N.  in  the  Pacific  coast  region  through  California  to  Ore- 
gon, and  in  the  interior  to  Nevada,  Utah,  Colorado,  and  southwestern  Kansas;  E.  to  portions 
of  Oklahoma  and  western  and  southeastern  Texas ;  S.  through  much  of  Mexico,  including 
Lower  California ;  a  common  resident  in  most  of  its  U.  S.  range.  A  bird  of  remarkable  aspect, 
noted  for  its  swiftness  of  foot ;  aided  by  its  wings  held  as  outriggers,  it  taxes  the  horse  in  a  race  ; 
feeds  on  fruits,  reptiles,  insects,  land  mollusks,  sometimes  small  mammals  and  birds.  Nest  in 
bushes  or  low  trees ;  a  rather  slight  structure  of  twigs,  with  or  without  lining  of  various  finer 
materials,  as  if  the  birds  were  just  learning  how  to  build,  with  a  diameter  of  about  a  foot,  and 
a  depth  of  half  as  much ;  occasionally,  an  old  nest  of  some  other  bird  is  appropriated.  Eggs 
indefinitely  few  or  many,  2  to  12  in  a  nest,  perhaps  not  all  laid  by  the  same  9  >  ordinarily  4  to 
6,  7,  8,  or  9,  ovate  or  elliptical,  white  in  ground  color  with  an  overlying  chalky  film  whicli 
may  take  a  slight  yellowish  tint,  ranging  in  length  from  1.45  to  1.75,  averaging  L55  X  1-20. 
They  are  laid  at  considerable  intervals :  incubation  begins  as  soon  as  a  few  are  deposited,  and 


cue ULID.^  —  C UC ULIN/E :    TREE    C UCKOOS. 


607 


is  believed  to  last  18  days  for  each  egg.  The  development  of  the  chicks  is  rapid;  perfectly 
fresh  eggs  and  newly-hatched  young  may  be  found  together;  and  by  the  time  the  last  young 
are  breaking  the  shell  the  others  may  be  graded  up  to  half  the  size  of  the  adult.  The  birds 
are  sometimes  domesticated,  making  amusing  pets.  They  are  singular  birds  —  cuckoos  com- 
pounded of  a  chicken  and  a  Magpie  ! 


Subfamily   CUCULIN>C:   Tree  Cuckoos. 


Fig.  418.  —  American  TreeCuckoo  (Coccysuiam^r/Vu/iuii 
reduced.     (From  Teuney,  after  Wilson.) 


Syrinx  tracheobronchial.  Myological  formula  A  X  Y  (no  accessory  femorocaudal).  Ven- 
tral pteryla  unbranclied  on  either  side,  but  more  or  less  extensively  divided  by  a  median  space 
into  right  and  left  halves,  this  division  ex- 
tending throughout  in  sundry  American 
genera,  but  not  on  the  neck  in  Old  World 
genera  like  CiicuIhs.  Tail  invariably  of  10 
soft  feathers,  usually  rounded  or  graduated, 
rarely  square  or  forked,  and  more  or  less 
nearly  equalling  the  wings  in  length.  Wings 
long  and  flat,  not  hugging  the  body  closely 
when  fohled,  and  the  point  of  the  primaries 
extending  decidedly  beyond  the  end  of  the 
longest  secondaries  in  the  folded  wing.  Feet 
moderate,  in  adaptation  to  arboreal  life  ;  no 
peculiarity  of  the  hind  claws.  These  char- 
acters easily  serve  to  distinguish  the  present 
subfamily  from  the  two  foregoing;  but  the 
full  extent  of  their  applicability,  and  therefore  the  content  of  the  subfamily  Citcxlimc,  remains 
uncertain  for  lack  of  evidence  in  the  cases  of  several  genera.  Regarding  external  characters 
alone,  there  are  17  genera  which  have  the  long  flat  wing,  all  but  two  of  them  exclusively  Old 
World,  and  one  of  these  two  (Cuculiis  itself)  only  a  straggler  in  America.  It  is  probable  that 
a  subfamily  Coccyzince  can  be  maintained  for  the  American  Tree  Cuckoos,  as  distinguished 
from  those  of  the  Old  World,  as  given  in  former  editions  of  the  Key  and  in  the  A.  0.  U.  Supjtl. 
List,  Auk,  Jan.  1899,  p.  110. 

COC'CYZUS.  (Gr.  kokkvC<o,  kokkuzo,  to  cry  "cuckoo!"  k6kkv$,  kokkux,  a  cuckoo.)  Amer- 
ican Tree  Cuckoos.  Rain-crows.  Head  not  crested ;  all  the  feathers  soft.  Bill  about 
equalling  or  rather  shorter  than  head,  stout  at  base,  then  much  compressed,  curved  throughout, 
tapering  to  a  rather  acute  tip;  nostrils  basal,  inferior,  exposed,  elliptical.  Wings  jiointed,  but 
not  longer  than  tail;  inner  quills  not  folding  over  much  of  tlie  primaries;  3d  and  4th  primaries 
longest,  2d  and  5th  shorter,  1st  much  shorter  still.  Tail  of  soft  rather  tapering  featliers,  with 
very  obtuse  ends;  much  graduated.  Tibial  feathers  flowing;  tarsi  naked,  shorter  than  middle 
toe.  Our  species  are  strictly  arboricolc  l)ir(ls  of  lithe  form,  blended  plumage  and  subdued  colors  ; 
the  head  is  not  crested  ;  the  tibial  feathers  are  full,  as  in  a  hawk  ;  the  sexes  are  alike,  and  the 
young  scarcely  difl"erent;  the  ujiper  parts  are  uniform  satiny  olive-gray,  or  '' quaker-color," 
with  bronzy  reflections.  Lay  numerous  plain  greenish  elliptical  eggs,  in  a  rude  nest  of  twigs 
saddled  on  a  branch  or  in  a  fork.  Though  not  habitually  parasitic,  they  may  slip  an  egg  in 
other  birds'  nests,  or  in  each  other's,  but  they  are  rarely  guilty  of  ogg-sucking.  Oviposition 
is  tardy  or  irregular;  the  nests  usually  contain  eggs  in  diff"erent  stages  of  development,  or  eggs 
anil  young  together.  They  are  well-known  inhabitants  of  our  streets  ami  ])arks  as  well  as  of 
woodland,  noted  for  their  loud,  jerUy  cries,  which  they  are  supposed  to  utter  most  frequently 
in  falling  weather,  whence  their  popular  name,   ''  Rain-crow."     Miirratory,  insectivorous,  and 


608 


SYSTEMATIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  PIC ARIAi— COCCYGES. 


frugivorous.     They  include  in  their  insect  fare  enormous  numbers  of  canlier-worms  and  other 
caterpillars  of  the  most  noxious  kinds,  and  are  thus  highly  beneficial  birds  to  man. 

Analysis  oj  Species  and  Subspecies. 

Bill  black  and  bluish. 

White  below.     Wings  with  little  or  no  cinnamon.     Tail-feathers  not  broadly  white-ended     .       erythrophthalmus 
Bill  black  and  yellow.     Tail-feathers  broadly  white-ended. 

White  below.     Ears  not  dusky.     Wings  extensively  cinnamon. 

Eastern  form americanus 

Western  form occidenlalis 

Tawny  below.     Ears  dusky. 

Tawny  tint  uniform minor 

Tawny  tint  bleaching  anteriorly maynardi 

C.   erythrophthal'mus.     (Gr.   tpvdpos,  eruthros,  reddish  ;  dfjiOaXfios,  ophthalmos,  eye.     Fig. 
420.)     Black-billed  Cuckoo.    Rain-crow.     Adult  <J  9  ^  Bill  blackish  except  occasionally 


Fig.  41'J.  — YellDu-l.ilU'.l  Cuckoo,  },  nat.  size.     {From  Brehm.) 

a  trace  of  yellowish,  usually  bluish  at  base  below.  Above,  satiny  olive-gray.  Below,  pure 
white,  sometimes  with  a  faint  tawny  tinge  on  the  fore-parts.  Wings  with  little  or  no  rufous. 
Lateral  tail-feathers  not  contrasting  with  the  central,  their  tips  for  a  short  distance  blackish, 
then  obscurely  white ;  no  bold  contrast  of  black  with  large  white  spaces.  Bare  circumocular 
space  livid  ;  edges  of  eyelids  red.  Length  11.00-12.00  ;  extent  about  15.50;  wing  5.00-5.50; 
tail  6.00-6.50;  bill  under  an  inch.  Very  young  birds  have  the  feathers  of  upper  parts  skirted 
with  whitish  ;  bill  and  feet  pale  bluish.  Eastern  U.  S.  and  Canada,  west  to  the  Rocky  Mts., 
N.  to  Labrador,  common ;  rather  more  northerly  than  americanus,  being  the  commoner  spe- 
cies in  New  England;  winters  sparingly  in  Florida  and  on  the  Gulf  Coast,  but  known  to  reach 
South  America ;  accidental  in  Europe  ;  migrates  in  the  U.  S.  mainly  in  Apr.,  May,  Sept.,  Oct., 


CUCULID.E—CUCULIN.E:    TREE    CUCKOOS. 


609 


and  breeds  throughout  about  half  of  its  N.  Am.  range  in  June  and  July,  sometimes  in  May  and 
August.  I  have  found  it  nesting  in  Assiniboia  near  the  Dakotan  border.  Nest  preferably  in 
bushes  and  small  trees,  often  quite  near  the  ground,  rarely  on  it,  a  frail  flat  structure  of  twigs 
with  miscellaneous  softer  materials  for  lining ;  eggs  I.IO  X  0.80,  pale  bluish  or  greenish,  usually 


Via.  420.  —  Black-billo<l  Cuckoo. 


deeper-colored,  less  elliptical  and  averaging  smaller  than  those  of  the  Yello\v-l)illed  Cuckoo, 
though  probably  not  to  be  distinguished  with  certainty.  They  vary  in  lengtli  from  O.f't'  to 
1.18,  and  in  breadtli  from  0.75  to  0.90;  tlie  number  found  in  nest  is  usually  3,  4,  or  5,  but  e.v- 
coptionally  2  to  7,  almost  invariably  in  difl'crent  stages  of  incubation;  they  are  occasionally 
dropped  in  the  nest  of  the  yellow-billed  species,  but  only  e.vceptionally  slipped  in  nests  of  other 
birds,  as  a  Dove's,  Robin's,  Catbird's,  Flycatcher's,  Warbler's,  or  Sparmw's.  Kircs  variously 
atlvanced  in  iiicubatiou  are  ordinarily  found  in  the  saiiic  ii<>t  witli  tli'duliiiL'-^  of  difTiTcnt  aires. 

39 


610 


SYSTEMA  TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  PICARLE  —  COCCYGES. 


C  america'nus.  (Lat.  American.  Figs.  418,  419,  421.)  Yellow-billed  Cuckoo.  Rain- 
crow.  Rain-dove.  Storm-crow.  Chow-chow.  Adult  (J?:  Bill  black,  extensively  yellow 
below  and  on  sides  of  upper  mandible.  Feet  dark  plumbeous.  Above,  satiny  olive-gray.  Be- 
low, pure  white.  Wings  extensively  cinna- 
mon-rufous on  inner  webs  of  the  quills.  Cen- 
tral tail-feathers  like  back ;  rest  black  with 
large  white  tips,  outermost  usually  also 
edged  with  white.  Very  constant  in  color, 
the  chief  variation  being  in  extent  and  inten- 
sity of  cinnamon  on  wings,  which  sometimes 
shows  through  when  the  wings  are  closed, 
and  even  tinges  the  coverts.  Young  differ 
chiefly  in  having  the  white  ends  of  the  tail- 
feathers  less  trenchant  and  extensive,  the 
black  not  so  pure ;  this  state  approaches  the 
condition  of  erythrojjhthahnus,  but  does  not 
match  it.  Length  1 1.00-12.00 ;  extent  15.50- 
16.50;  wing  about  5.50;  tail  about  6.00; 
bill  a  short  inch;  tarsus  1.00;  middle  toe  and 
claw  rather  more.  Eastern  U.  S.,  rather 
more  southerly  than  the  last  species,  but  N. 
to  Canada;  W.  to  the  limit  of  trees  on  the 
Plains,  S.  in  winter  to  Costa  Rica  and  the 
West  Indies  ;  accidental  in  Greenland,  Eu- 
rope; breeds  throughout  its  N-  A.  range. 
Nest  a  slight  structure  of  twigs,  leaves,  and 
catkins,  on  a  bough  or  in  fork  of  a  tree  rather 
than  in  a  bush,  seldom  so  low  as  that  of  the 
Black -billed  usually  is,  and  up  to  25  feet  or 
more ;  it  is  flat,  about  5  inches  in  diameter  by  2  or  less  deep ;  eggs  2  to  8,  oftcnest  3,  4,  or  5, 
averaging  1.20  X  0.90,  ranging  in  length  from  1.10  to  1.30,  quite  elliptical,  pale  fugacious 
bluish-green,  fading  paler  still.  In  the  South  they  may  be  taken  in  May,  but  in  most  parts  in 
June,  July,  August.  This  species  is  a  later  spring  migrant  than  the  other,  on  the  whole  a  later 
breeder,  and  rather  earlier  to  leave  in  the  fall ;  a  few  linger  in  winter  on  our  Gulf  border,  but 
most  pass  on.  Its  eggs  are  not  seldom  dropped  in  nests  of  the  other  species,  but  rarely  in  those 
of  other  birds. 

C.  a.  occidenta'lis.  (Lat.  pertaining  to  the  setting  sun,  i-  e.  western.)  Western  Yellow- 
billed  Cuckoo.  Rather  larger  than  the  last,  with  stouter  bill  ;  length  about  12.50;  wing 
averaging  nearly  6.00 ;  tail  over  6.00;  bill  a  long  inch,  and  0.35  deep  at  base.  Western  U.  S., 
Rocky  Mts.  to  the  Pacific,  N.  to  British  Columbia,  S.  through  much  of  Mexico.  Ridgw.  Man. 
1887,  p.  273;  Coues,  Key,  4th  ed.  1890,  p.  903;  A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  387  «. 
(Included  under  the  foregoing  in  2d  and  3d  eds.   of  the  Key.) 

C  mi'nor.  (Lat.  of  less  size,  smaller:  used  to  express  the  comparative  degree  of  the  difi'ereut 
word  parvus,  small.)  Mangrove  Cuckoo.  Black-eared  Cuckoo.  Bill  much  as  in  amer- 
icanus.  Above,  the  same  quaker-color,  but  more  decidedly  ashy-gray  toward  and  on  head. 
Below,  pale  orange-brown.  Wings  suffused  with  color  of  belly.  Auriculars  dark,  in  contrast. 
Tail  as  in  aniericanus,  but  outer  feather  not  white-edged.  Size  of  the  others,  or  rather  less, 
but  tail  relatively  longer,  nearly  7.00.  West  Indies;  Florida,  Louisiana,  and  S.  to  Central 
and  South  America.  Eggs  as  in  aniericanus.  (C.  seniculus  of  all  former  eds.  of  the  Key.) 
C  m.  may'nardi.     (To  C.  J.  Maynard,  author  of  a  valuable  work  on  the  Birds  of  Florida.) 


Fig.  421.  —Yellow-billed  Cuckoo. 


PSITTACI:   PARROTS. 


611 


Maynard's  Mangrove  Cuckoo.  Rather  smaller  than  the  last ;  wiug  5.25 ;  tail  6.50.  Below 
pale  buff,  bleaching  anteriorly.  The  Bahaman  form,  which  has  also  occurred  on  the  Florida 
Keys.  Coccyzus  mmjnardi  Kidgw.  Man.  1887,  p.  274;  C  minor  maynardi  A.  0.  U.  Suppl. 
List,  1889,  p.  10;  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  [38(3  a.].  Coccygus  seniculus  maynardi  Coues,  Key, 
4th  ed.  1890,  p.  903;  included  under  seniculus  proper  in  earlier  eds. 

•CU'CULUS.  (Lat.  cucidus,  tlie  European  Cuckoo,  C.  canorns.)  Old  World  Tree 
Cuckoos.  Head  not  crested.  Bill  uiixlerate,  not  longer  than  head  or  tarsus.  Nostrils 
rounded,  pierced  in  a  swollen  membrane.  Wings  well  pointed,  longer  than  tail,  reaching  wlien 
folded  beyond  tiie  upper  coverts;  the  primaries  barred  crosswise.  Tail  graduated.  Contains 
numerous  species  of  nearly  all  jjarts  of  the  Old  Wtirld,  one  of  them  accidentally  occurring 
vvitliin  our  limits. 

C.  cano'rus  telepho'nus.  (Lai.  canorus,  tuneful;  canor,  song,  melody;  cano,  I  sing:  not 
well  applied  to  a  songless  Picariau  bird  with  non-oscine  syrinx !  Gr.  TrjXf,  tele,  afar,  far  off, 
(f)d)Vf,  2)hone,  voice,  sound.)  Kamschatkan  or  Siberian  Cuckoo.  Telephone  Cuckoo. 
General  color  above  gray,  below  white,  the  wings  and  tail  much  barred,  notclied,  or  spotted 
with  white,  the  under  parts  barred  with  black.  Length  about  14.00;  wing  9.00  or  more;  tail 
7.00  or  more.  A  subspecies  of  the  common  Cuckoo,  inhabiting  Siberia,  of  accidental  occur- 
rence on  the  Pribiloff  Islands  (St.  Paul,  July  4,  1890  :  W.  Palmer,  Auk,  Oct.  1894,  p.  325). 
Cucidus  telephonus  Heine,  J.  f.  0.  1863,  p.  352.  C  canorus  teleiihonus  Stej.  Bull.  U.  S. 
Nat.  Mus.  No.  29,  1885,  p.  224;  A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  [388.  1.]. 


Order  PSITTACI:   Parrots. 

Feet  zygodactylous  by  reversion  of  4th  toe,  covered  with  rugose  granular  scales  or  plates; 
hill  strongly  epignathous,  furnished  with  a  (frequently  feathered)  cere,  as  iu  Birds  of  Prey, 
short  and  extremely  stout  (ex- 
cept in  Nestor)  ;  wings  and  tail 
variable  in  form  ;  developed  pri- 
maries 10;  secondaries  aquin- 
tocubital ;  rectrices  12  (14  only 
in  Oreopsittacus).  Parrots,  in- 
cluding Macaws,  Cockatoos, 
Lories,  Paroquets,  etc.,  form  one 
of  the  most  strongly  marked 
groups  of  birds,  as  easily  recog- 
nized by  their  peculiar  external 
aspect  as  defined  by  anatomical 
structure.  They  were  formerly 
included  in  an  "order"  Scan- 
sores,  on  account  of  the  paired 
toes,  but  this  is  a  comparatively 
trivial  character,  indicating  no 
special  affinity  with  other  yoke- 
toed  l)irds  (see  under  Picari(c). 

It  is  ao'reed    bv  com'llon  consent  ^'"^  ■*--•  —  Carolina  Parro(|uet,  reJuced.     (From  Teiiiicy,  afti'r  Wilson.  \ 

tfiat  their  peculiarities  entitle  them  to  rank  with  groups  called  orders  in  the  present  volume. 
They  might  not  ina])tly  be  styled  Frugirorus  Raptores :  and  in  some  respects  exhibit  a  vague 
analogy  to  Quadritmana  (monkeys)  among  mammals. 

The  tongue  is  tliick  and  Hesiiy,  in  some  genera  ])eculiarly  brusliy  ;  it  has  a  horny  nail   on 
the  under  side  at  the  end,  like  a  human  finger,  and  witli  tliis  and  its  papilla*  or  fringe  on  liio 


612  S  YS  TEMA  TI C  S  YNOPSIS.  —  PSI TTA  CI. 

other  side  forms  a  delicate  tactile  organ.  It  is  used  to  some  extent  in  prehension,  objects  being 
handled  between  itself  and  the  upper  mandible,  and  the  palatal  surface  of  the  hook  of  the  bill 
is  furnished  in  most  genera  with  a  set  of  parallel  ridges  forming  a  sort  of  file  or  rasp.  The 
tongue  is  borne  upon  a  well-developed  hyoidean  skeleton,  among  the  parts  of  which  the  large 
entoglossal  or  glossohyal  is  highly  characteristic,  being  foraminiferous,  or  consisting  of  paired 
halves  connected  at  the  end  by  cartilage ;  the  basihyal  develops  a  pair  of  parahyal  processes 
besides  the  usual  urohyal,  and  the  cornua  are  composed  of  long  hypobranchials  bearing  j(jinted 
ceratobranchials.  Ability  to  articulate  human  speech  is  one  of  the  most  notorious  faculties  of 
certain  Parrots.  This  seems  to  be  due  to  the  lingual  peculiarities  just  noticed,  in  connection  with 
certain  syringeal  formations,  for  the  syrinx  is  peculiarly  constructed,  in  several  different  ways. 
The  bronchial  half  rings  may  be  weak  and  separate  cartilages,  or  several  of  them  consolidated 
into  a  bony  box  ;  there  are  three  pairs  of  intrinsic  muscles,  and  the  extrinsic  are  inserted  some- 
times into  the  pleural  membrane,  instead  of  the  sternum.  Finally  it  may  be  noted  in  this 
connection  that  the  bill  is  used  in  climbing,  like  a  hand  ;  the  upper  mandible  being  much  more 
freely  movable  upon  the  skull  than  is  usual  among  birds.  This  mobility  is  secured  by  the 
articulation  instead  of  suture  of  the  maxillae,  premaxillae,  and  nasals  with  the  frontal,  palatals, 
and  jugals.  The  mandibular  symphysis  is  strong,  short,  and  obtuse;  the  lower  jaw  is  like  a 
thumb  as  opposed  to  the  finger-like  upper  jaw,  and  the  jaws  as  a  prehensible  organ  may  be 
likened  to  the  claw  of  a  lobster. 

Other  osteological  characters  are  :  Palate  desmognathous  ;  nasals  holorhinal ;  nasal  sep- 
tum much  ossified  ;  bony  orbits  of  eyes  frequently  completed  ring-like  by  union  of  lacrymals 
with  postorbital  processes  of  the  squamosal ;  no  basipterygoids.  Cervical  vertebrae  as  a 
rule  14,  rarely  13  or  15;  atlas  either  notched  or  completely  perforated  by  odontoid  process  of 
axis.  Sternal  ribs  5  or  6  ;  sternum  entire  behind,  or  there  fenestrate,  more  rarely  with  one 
pair  of  notches.  Furculum  variable;  weak,  or  without  symphysis,  or  so  defective  as  to  be  re- 
duced to  its  coracoid  end,  or  wanting  entirely.  Tarsometatarsus  short  and  thick,  its  lower  end 
modified  to  suit  the  position  of  4th  toe.  There  are  3  decided  modifications  of  the  carotids  — 
right  and  left  present,  both  running  deep  in  the  vertebrarterial  canal ;  or  both  present  and  the 
left  superficial ;  or  only  the  left  developed.  In  the  digestive  system:  a  well -developed  oeso- 
phageal crop  and  zonary  proventriculus  ;  gall  bladder  usually  wanting  (present  in  Cncatua)  ; 
intestines  extremely  variable  in  length  in  different  genera  (at  a  maximum  in  Edectus).  Oil- 
gland  absent  from  certain  genera,  present  and  tufted  in  others.  Plumage  aftershafted,  in  many 
cases  including  powder-down  feathers,  either  aggregated  in  a  pair  of  lumbar  patches,  or  scat- 
tered indefinitely ;  spinal  pteryla  forked.  Leg-muscles  singularly  variable  :  ambiens  present 
and  normal,  present  and  incomplete,  or  absent,  hence  the  order  is  indifferently  homalogonatous 
or  anomalogonatous ;  femorocaudal,  semitendiuosus  and  its  accessory,  present;  accessory 
femorocaudal  absent,  hence  the  normal  formula  A  X  Y,  as  usual  in  Picarian  birds.  Plantar 
tendons  desmopelmous  in  an  ordinary  way,  in  spite  of  the  zygodactylism. 

Thus,  though  the  order  is  so  definitely  circumscribed  that  no  one  doubts  of  any  bird 
whether  it  be  psittacine  or  not.  Parrots  differ  remarkably  among  themselves  in  certaiu  struc- 
tural characters  which  in  most  birds  have  a  high  classificatory  value.  The  systematic  position 
of  Psittaci  between  Picarice  and  Accipitres  is  probably  the  best  that  can  be  assigned  in  any 
linear  arrangement. 

The  eggs  of  Parrots  are  plural,  white,  and  almost  invariably  laid  in  holes  with  little  or  no 
nidification  ;  the  young  hatch  naked  and  helpless,  but  acquire  down  before  fledging.  The 
order  is  mainly  developed  in  tropical  regions  of  both  hemispheres,  but  has  some  representa- 
tives in  both  temperate  zones,  extending  from  lat.  42°  N.  to  lat.  55°  S.  "  Parrots  abound  in 
all  tropical  countries,  but,  except  in  Australia  and  New  Zealand,  rarely  extend  into  the  tem- 
perate zone.  The  Indian  and  Ethiopian  regions  are  poor  in  parrots,  while  the  Australian  is 
the  richest,  containing  many  genera  and  even  whole  families  peculiar  to  it "  (Newton).     A 


PSITTACI:   PARROTS. 


613 


recent  monographer,  Finsch,  recognised  only  854  species  as  well  determined,  distributing  them 
in  20  genera;  142  species  are  American,  28  African,  and  18  Asiatic;  the  Moluccas  and  New 
Guinea  have  83,  Australia  59,  and  Polynesia  29.  A  later  systematist,  Reichexow,  admits 
430  species,  assigned  to  45  genera ;  but  the  latest,  Salvadori,  finds  499  species  of  80  genera, 
besides  about  50  more  described  species  he  has  not  succeeded  in  identifying. 

Division  of  Psittaci  into  families  has  taxed  the  ingenuity  of  ornithologists;  for,  so  vari- 
ously interrelated  are  the  numerous  genera,  that  their  grouping  fluctuates  with  almost  every 
character  or  set  of  characters  selected  for  use  in  classification.     Grarrod's  curious  anatomical 


Fia.  423.  —  Carolina  Parroquel,  \  luit,  siz 


From  Brelim,  after  Audubon.) 


investigations,  amplified  and  endorsed  ])y  Beddard,  show  that  Psittaci  may  be  arranged  in  two 
series,  according  to  cluiractcrs  afforded  by  the  carotids  and  ambiens:  I.  Pal.-kounitiiid.i^  : 
Carotids  2  (except  in  Cacatua),  left  normal,  no  ambiens.  II.  Psittacid.ic  :  Carotids  2. 
left  superficial,  ambiens  present  in  one  series  of  genera,  absent  in  others.  In  the  subfamily 
(1)  Paleeornithinee,  there  is  no  further  deviation;  in  (2)  Cacatiiinfe,  hes\i\vs  lack  of  right 
carotid  in  Cacatua  itself,  the  orbital  ring  is  completely  ossified,  and  develops  a  bony  process 
bridging  the  temporal  fossa  ;  in  (3)  Stringnphup,  wbicli  includes  the  curious  Higbtlcss  Ground 
Parrot  or  Owl  Parrot  of  New  Zealand  (Stringnps  hubwptiliot),  tlie  furculum  and  sternal  keel 
are  deficient  or  defective.  Psitlaridrr  include  (4)  Atiurr,  in  wbicli  tbe  ambiens  is  j)resent  ; 
(5)   I'l/nhuriiur,  iu  wliicli  it  is  absent,  without  ftirtlier  modification;  (0)  PlaOjcercina:,  wo 


614  SYSTEMATIC   SYNOPSIS.  — PSITTACL 

ambiens,  no  furculum ;  (7)  Chrysotinrc,  no  ainbiens,  a  furculum,  no  oil-gland.  There  are  thus 
7  subfamilies  of  2  families  of  Psittaci,  as  based  solely  upon  the  particular  set  of  anatomical 
characters  utilized  by  Garrod  for  his  purposes.  But  this  surprising  result  is  "  far  from  being 
satisfactory ; "  it  violates  some  obvious  evidences  of  affinity  in  other  respects,  and  in  particular 
makes  the  geographical  distribution  of  the  order  unintelligible ;  it  has  therefore  been  rejected 
by  common  consent  of  the  later  monographers,  as  Finsch,  Reichenow^,  and  Salvadori. 
Reichenow's  arrangement  (1881)  presents  9  families,  as  follows  :  (1)  Pioxid.e,  American  (ex- 
cept the  African  genus  Paeocephalus) ,  short-tailed  ;  (2)  Conurid^,  all  American,  long-tailed  ; 
(3)  PsiTTACiD.E,  restricted  to  the  African  genera  Psittacus  and  Coracopsis,  or  the  Jak()S  and 
Vasas ;  (4)  Pal^ornithid.e,  Old  World  ;  (5)  Trichoglossio.e  (or  LoriidcB),  the  Lories  and 
Brush-tongued  Paroquets,  of  Australia,  Polynesia,-  etc. ;  (6)  Micropsittid^,  a  small  family 
of  diminutive  Paroquets  of  the  3  genera  Psittacella,  Cydojisittacus,  and  Nasiterna,  Austro- 
Malayan  and  Papuan  ;  (7)  Platycercid^,  Old  World ;  (8)  Plictolophid^  (or  Cacatuidce),. 
Austro-Malayan  and  Papuan,  with  the  New  Zealand  genus  Nestor  forced  into  this  connection ; 
(9)  Stringopid.e,  with  the  New  Zealand  genus  Strwgops  and  the  Australian  Geopsittacus  and. 
Pezoporiis.  In  the  British  Museum  Catalogue  of  1891,  Salvadori  arranges  the  Psittaci  as  fol- 
lows :  (1)  Nestorid^e,  one  genus.  New  Zealand;  (2)  Loriid^,  14  genera,  Austro-Malayan 
and  Polynesian ;  (3)  Cyclopsittacid^,  2  genera,  Cyclopsittacus  and  Neopsittacus,  both 
Papuan ;  the  group  thus  not  coincident  with  Micropsittid(B  as  just  given  ;  (4)  Cacatuidce  : 
(a)  Cacatuince,  5  genera,  Austro-Malayan  and  Papuan,  and  {h)  Calopsittacince ,  one  Australian 
genus;  (5)  Psittacid^e,  with  6  subfamilies:  (a)  Nasiterninae,  one  genus,  Papuan;  {b)  Co- 
nurince,  15  genera,  all  American;  (c)  Pionince,  10  genera,  all  American  except  the  African 
Poeocephalus ;  (d)  PsittacincB,  2  African  genera,  Psittacus  and  Coracojisis,  with  the  Papuan 
genus  Dasyptilus ;  (e)  PalccornithincB,  15  genera,  widely  distributed  in  the  Old  World; 
(f)  Platycercina,  11  genera,  Australian  and  Polynesian;  and  (6)  Stringopid^j,  one  New 
Zealand  genus.  This  arrangement  is  an  improvement  upon  all  earlier  ones,  although  my  dis- 
tinguished friend  confesses  that  it  "  does  not  bring  us  nearer  to  an  understanding  of  the  mutual 
or  phylogenetic  relations  of  the  f;unilies.'' 

It  seems  to  me  probable  that  certain  genera  of  Psittaci  will  prove  refractory  to  any  scheme 
which  may  be  devised.  Thus,  the  African  Poeocephalus  and  the  Papuan  Dasyptilus  are  inex- 
plicable in  geographical  distribution,  if  they  be  really  members  of  the  respective  subfamilies  to 
which  they  are  assigned  by  Professor  Salvadori.  A  number  of  genera  of  chietly  pygmy  Paroquets 
are  particularly  troublesome ;  such  are  Psittacella,  Psittinus,  Psittacula,  Agapornis,  Cyclo- 
psittacus, Bolbopsittacus,  Nasiterna,  Nymphieus,  and  Nanodes.  Nevertheless,  if  we  duly  cor- 
relate anatomical  with  external  characters,  and  both  of  these  with  certain  faunal  considerations, 
we  may  arrive  at  a  classification  of  the  Parrots  which  probably  requires  a  minimum  of  excep- 
tions to  be  taken  or  anomalies  to  be  further  provided  for.  Without  prejudice  to  a  few  questions 
of  fact  which  remain  open,  from  lack  of  information  on  some  structural  points  as  correlated  with 
geographical  distribution,  one  way  out  of  our  present  difficulties  may  be  found  by  recognizing  a 
greater  number  of  families  and  subfamilies,  primarily  divided  into  two  subordinal  or  superfamily 
series.  Thus,  if  we  make  the  genus  Stringops  a  family  Stringopid^  of  a  suborder  Strin- 
gopes,  characterized  as  ecarinate  and  efurculate,  with  an  ambiens,  complete  bony  orbits,  two 
f'arotids,  tufted  oil-gland,  soft  plumage  with  a  facial  disc  as  in  Owls,  wings  unfit  for  flight,  etc., 
the  remaining  Parrots  may  form  the 

Suborder  EUPSITTACI,   Carinate  Parrots, 

with  the  furculum  normally  complete,  exceptionally  defective.  With  a  single  possible  excep- 
tion, that  of  the  genus  Poeocephalus,  the  Eupsittaci  may  conveniently  and  not  unnaturally  be 
considered  in  two  series,  Pal^eogtean  and  Neogaean.      1.   Pal^og^i.      1.  The  Platycer- 


EUPSITTACI:    CARINATE  PARROTS.  615 

CID^  are  a  large  family,  of  wide  distribution  in  the  Old  World,  without  complete  furculum, 
and  in  some  other  respects  related  to  the  Stringopes,  especially  through  such  genera  as  Pezo- 
porus,  Geopsittacus,  and  Melopsittacus.  The  family  includes  terrestrial  genera,  as  does  no  other 
of  this  suborder;  the  orbits  are  incomplete,  the  tongue  is  ordinary,  and  the  bill  has  the  usual 
rasp-like  palatal  surface ;  the  tail  is  long,  as  a  rule.  Other  genera  than  the  three  named  are 
Neophetna,  Cyanorliamphus,  Psej^hotus,  Barnardius,  Porphyrocephalus,  and  Platycercus  (for 
Nymphicus  and  Nanodes  see  below).  2.  The  Pal^eornithid.e  are  likewise  a  large,  widely-dis- 
tributed family,  sharing  the  incomplete;  orbits  of  the  preceding  family,  but  having  the  furculum 
complete ;  bill  with  the  rasp  and  tongue  simple ;  two  carotids ;  an  oil-gland ;  no  ambiens. 
Unquestionable  genera  of  this  family,  besides  Palceornis,  are  Eclectiis,  Geoffroyus,  Tanygna- 
thus,  Prioniturus,  Polytelis,  Ptistes,  Pyrrhulopsis,  Aprosmictus,  and  Loriculus.  'S.  Agapor- 
NiTHiDiE?  The  Ethiopian  genus  Agapornis  lacks  a  completed  furculum  (in  this  respect 
agreeing  with  the  genus  Psittacula,  of  the  Neogtean  series),  and  appears  to  represent  a  tenable 
family  type.  With  this  genus  appear  to  be  related  a  number  of  Palseogasan  pygmy  Parrots, 
such  as  Psitfinus,  PsittnceUa,  Cyclopsittacus,  Bolhopsittacus,  whicli  have  a  fnrculum,  and  even 
JMicropsitta  (or  Nasitoiui).  But  at  present  neither  the  families  Micropsittidtc  nor  Cyclopsit- 
tucidce  can  be  satisfactorily  diagnosticated.  Among  these  equivocal  genera  it  seems  possible 
that  three  families  may  be  implicated.  Bolbopsittacus  approaches  the  next  family  in  the  longi- 
tudinal instead  of  transverse  striation  of  the  palatal  surface  of  the  hook  of  the  bill ;  the  bill  is 
unnotched ;  in  Cyclopsittacus  and  Psittinus  the  hook  is  notched ;  in  Micropsitta  the  tail  is 
mucronate.  4.  Nestorid^e.  The  isolated  New  Zealand  genus  Nestor  is  the  only  living  rep- 
resentative of  this  family,  in  which  there  are  an  ambiens,  an  oil-gland,  two  carotids  witli  the 
left  superficial,  a  furculum,  and  incomplete  orbital  ring.  The  bill  is  notably  elongate,  without 
transverse  strife  under  the  hook  ;  in  which  latter  respect,  as  well  as  in  the  fringed  tongue,  this 
family  apjiroaches  the  next.  5.  Lorud.e  or  Trichoglossid^e.  In  the  Lories  or  Brush- 
tongued  Parrots,  highly  characteristic  of  Australia,  Papua,  and  Polynesia,  but  absent  from 
New  Zealand,  the  tongue  has  the  peculiarity  indicated  by  the  name,  the  papillae  being  highly 
developed  and  reversible  when  the  tongue  is  protruded ;  the  bill  has  tio  transverse  rugie,  and 
is  short  and  stout,  with  simple  culmen;  the  ambiens  is  lost  (always?);  the  furculum  is  com- 
plete ;  there  are  two  carotids,  and  a  tufted  oil-gland.  Among  the  undoubted  genera  of  this 
family  (which  does  not  include  the  genus  Loricidus,  however),  there  is  much  variation  in  ex- 
ternal form,  and  probably  several  subfamilies  are  implicated  ;  I  only  name  the  OreopsittacincE, 
with  one  Papuan  genus  and  species,  unique  in  the  whole  order  in  having  14  rectrices.  Tlie 
equivocal  Australian  genus  Nanodes  (or  Lathamus)  may  belong  here,  ratlier  than  in  Platy- 
cercidce,  as  it  is  brush-tongued,  with  a  furculum,  orbital  ring,  no  ambiens,  etc.  6.  Caca- 
TUID.^;.  This  Austro-Malayan  and  Papuan  family  is  well-marked  by  the  bony  temporal  bar, 
in  addition  to  the  completed  bony  orbits;  there  is  no  ambiens,  and  great  variability  in  the 
carotids  and  oil-gland;  carotid  single  and  sinistral  as  a  rule.  The  bill  is  transv<'rsely  rugose 
under  the  hook,  and  the  tongue  is  simple;  the  head  is  conspicuously  crested.  There  are  sev- 
eral subfamilies.  The  Cacatuincc  have  feathered  cheeks  and  short  tails  ;  in  M icroglossince  the 
clicelis  are  naked  and  the  tail  is  short;  in  CalopsittacincE  the  tail  is  pointed  with  narrow  feath- 
ers. The  curious  genus  Nymjjhiciis  seems  to  be  more  nearly  related  to  the  Cockatoos  than  to 
any  others,  and  may  represent  a  fourtli  subfamily,  NymphicincE.  7.  PsiTTACin.*:,  in  a  re- 
stricted sense,  are  definable  by  exclusion  of  the  particular  combinations  of  characters  of  other 
Palteog.'ean  families.  There  are  two  carotids,  tlie  left  superficial ;  a  complete  furculum  ;  incom- 
plete  orbits;  the  ambiens  equivocal.  The  tail  is  short;  the  cheeks  are  more  or  less  denudeii, 
as  a  rule ;  there  is  no  crest,  and  tlie  sexes  are  alike.  The  bill  has  the  usual  rasp,  as  in  all 
groups  except  the  Lories,  Nestors,  and  allies.  This  family  is  diaracteristically  Ethiopian,  with 
ail  outlying  PapHan  representative,  and  may  include  tliree  subfamilies:  I'sitidcitKr,  type  J'sil- 
lacHS  eritliacns,  the  common  gray  red-tailed  Jako  of  Africa,  and  subtype  Coraco2)sis,  the  black 


616  SYSTEMA  TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  PS  ITT  A  CI  —  ARID^. 

Madagascan  Vasas ;  Poeocephalince,  the  ordinary  green  or  brown  African  Parrots,  so  similar  to 
the  American  Amazons ;  and  the  Papuan  black  Parrot,  Dasyptilince,  of  one  genus  and  species. 
II.  Neog^i.  8.  PiONiD^  are  the  short-tailed  green  Amazons  and  some  other  Parrots  of 
tropical  America,  agreeing  in  a  complete  furculum,  two  carotids,  no  ambiens  (except  Caica)  ; 
the  cere  always  naked.  Leading  genera  of  this  family  are  Chrysotis,  Pionus,  Pachynus,  and 
Brotogerys,  without  oil-gland,  and  forming  the  true  Pionincej  more  special  types  are  Deroptyus, 
Pionopsittacus,  Triclaria,  Urochroma,  Caica  (?)  and  Gypopsittacus,  with  an  oil-gland,  probably 
representing  another  subfamily,  Pionopsittacince.  9.  Psittaculid^.  Certain  short-tailed 
pygmy  American  Parrots  differ  notably  from  the  other  Neogfean  forms  in  the  absence  of  a  com- 
plete furculum,  as  well  as  of  an  ambiens,  in  which  respects  they  agree  with  the  Palseogeean 
genus  Agapornis;  and  if  the  distinction  of  New  World  from  Old  World  forms  does  not  break 
down  in  this  case,  they  must  be  regarded  as  a  different  family.  They  differ  from  the  Pionidce 
in  possessing  an  oil-gland.  The  orbital  ring  is  incomplete.  There  are  numerous  species  of 
the  single  genus  Psittacula,  in  which  the  sexes  differ  in  color.  All  remaining  American  Par- 
rots constitute  the 

Family   ARID-<E :   Macaws,  etc., 

being  the  long-tailed  Neogfean  forms  commonly  rated  as  a  subfamily  Arince  or  Conurince  of 
Psittacidce.  It  is  characteristic  of  these  birds  to  possess  a  complete  furculum,  an  ambiens  (want- 
ing in  Pyrrhura),  an  oil-gland,  and  two  carotids,  the  left  superficial ;  in  which  respects  they 
represent  an  ancestral  type.  In  one  subfamily,  the  Arince  proper  or  Macaws,  the  orbital  ring 
varies  in  completeness ;  the  face  is  more  or  less  denuded ;  the  size  is  great,  with  long  gradu- 
ated tail,  and  the  colors  are  very  showy,  as  red,  blue,  yellow,  green.  The  genera  are  Ara, 
Anodorhynchtis,  and  Cyayiopsittaciis.     The  other  genera  of  AridcB  form  the 

Subfamily  CONURIN/E:  Wedge-tailed  American  Parrots, 

of  medium  and  small  size  and  mostly  green  color,  witli  or  withf)Ut  red  or  yellow ;  the  cheeks 
and  usually  also  the  cere  feathered;  the  tail  wedged.  The  orbital  ring  is  generally  complete 
(incomplete  in  Myopsittacus  and  Bolborhynchus) .  The  chief  exception  to  the  compactness  of 
this  group  is  afforded  by  the  genus  Pyrrhura,  which  lacks  an  ambiens  and  has  the  cere  naked. 
Several  genera,  the  largest  of  which  is  the  following  : 

CONU'RUS.  (Gr.  (cwi/oy.  ^'onos,  a  cone ;  ovpd,  oura,  ia.i\;  cuneate-tail.)  Conures.  Par- 
ROQUETS.  Tail  lengthened,  nearly  equalling  wings,  cuneate,  with  tapering  feathers,  graduated 
nearly  half  its  length.  Face  entirely  feathered  excepting  a  slight  space  about  eye.  Nostrils 
in  feathered  cere  (in  our  species).  Bill  very  stout,  with  bulging  lateral  outline,  broadly  rounded 
culmen  and  gonys,  and  toothed  or  lobed  commissure.  Tarsi  very  short,  much  less  than  inner 
anterior  toe;  outer  anterior  longer  than  outer  posterior  toe.  Feet  granular-reticulate,  becoming 
scutellate  on  toes.  Wings  pointed ;  in  our  species  2d  and  .3d  primaries  longest,  1st  and  4th 
subequal  and  shorter.  A  large  genus  of  tropical  America,  of  about  30  species,  with  one  U.  S. 
species,  which  differs  from  the  rest  in  having  the  nostrils  hidden  in  feathers  and  4th  primary 
not  attenuated;  it  is  type  of  Cow?«rojJS'is  Salv AD.   1891. 

C.  carolinen'sis.  (Lat.  Carolinian.  Figs.  422,  423.)  Carolina  Conure.  Parroquet 
or  Parrakeet.  Kelinky.  Green;  head  yellow;  face  red;  bill  white;  feet  flesh-color; 
wings  more  or  less  variegated  with  blue  and  yellow.  Sexes  alike.  Young  simply  green. 
Length  12.50-13  50;  extent  21.00-22.50;  wing  7.00-8.00 ;  tail  6.00-7.00.  Southern  States; 
up  the  Mississippi  Valley  to  the  Missouri  region  ;  W.  to  Arkansas  and  the  Indian  Territory ; 
in  1806  found  in  midwinter  in  tiie  mountains  of  Colorado  by  Pike's  Expedition ;  recently  Kan- 
sas, Nebraska,  Iowa;  formerly  strayed  to  Pennsylvania,  New  York,  and  Michigan,  but  of  late 
has  receded  even  from  the  Carolinas ;  still  locally  abundant  only  in  Florida,  less  so  in  Arkansas 


RAPTORES:  BIRDS   OF  PREY. 


617 


and  the  Indian  Territory.  But  it  would  seem  that  if  the  cruel  and  wanton  slaughter  to  which 
tlie  gentle  creatures  are  subjected  by  idlers  goes  on,  iliey  must  before  long  be  exterminated. 
Gregarious,  frugivorous,  and  granivorous  ;.  not  regularly  migratory,  but  roving  and  sporadic. 
Said  to  breed  in  companies  in  hollow  trees  ;  also  to  build  open  nests  on  horizontal  boughs  of  cy- 
press ;  eggs  white,  1.40  X  1-0.5,  variable  in  shape,  rough  in  texture;  normal  number  and  time 
of  laying  unknown  ;  in  captivity  '3-.T,  June-September. 

RHYNCHOPSIT'TA.  (Gr.  pvy^os,  hrugchos,  beak,  and  y^iTra,  piiitta,  for  ■^irraKr),  yj/irraKos, 
or  (TiTTaKTj,  psittace,  psittakos,  or  sittace,  a  parrot.)  Beakeu  Parrots.  Bill  very  larije, 
compressed,  with  flat  gonys  and  long  hook  of  upper  mandible.  Cere  densely  feathered,  as  in 
the  foregoing,  the  nostrils  in  the  feathers.  Tail  cuueate,  graduated  on(^-third  its  length.  Size 
large.     One  Mexican  species. 

R.  pachyrhyn'cha.  (Gr.  naxvs,  paclius,  thick;  and  piy-j^os-)  Thick-billed  Parrot. 
Green,  brightest  on  cheeks  and  ears ;  spot  before  eye  and  under  surface  of  quills  and  tail- 
feathers  blackish;  primary  under  coverts  yellow;  forehead,  lores,  line  over  eye,  edge  and  bend 
of  wings,  and  thighs,  dark  red  ;  bill  black  ;  feet  dark.  Young  simply  green,  with  little  if  any 
red  or  yellow,  and  the  bill  whitish  for  the  most  part.  Length  lG.00-17.00;  wing  about  10.00; 
tail  about  7.00,  graduated  2.50;  bill  1.50  along  chord  of  culmen,  rather  more  in  depth.  High- 
lands of  Mexico,  north  casually  to  the  Chiricahua  mountains,  Arizona;  specimen  in  Miis. 
Acad.  Phila.  labelled  Rio  Grande,  J.  W.  Audubon,  Baird,  B.  N.  A.  18.58,  p.  66;  sup- 
posed to  jiave  occurred  in  S.  W.  Texas  and  S.  New  Mexico,  Ridgw.  Man.  1887,  p.  269; 
not  previously  admitted  in  the  Key ;  A.  0.  U.  Hypothetical  List,  1886,  p.  .'^54 ;  1895, 
p.  330,  No.  16. 


Order   RAPTORES:   Birds  of  Prey. 

Bill  epignathous,  cered;  feet  not  zggodacti/lous.     Rapacious  birds  (Ropfores,  Raptatores  or 
Acdpitres  of  authors,  Aetomorphcc  of  Huxley)  form  a  fairly  natural  assemblage,  to  which  this 

expression     furnishes     a     clew. 

(Parrots,  probably  the  only  other 
birds  with   strongly  hooked  and  ^-2 

truly  cered  bill,  are  yoke-toed.)  ^       1 

Raptores  present   several    osteo-  -^^^g^  .J 

logical     and     other     anatomical  ^^^t  ^ 

characters.  Sternum  ample  and  *^^=^  -^^^" 
deep  keeled,  its  posterior  margin 
doubly  or  singly  notched  or  fe- 
nestrate on  each  side,  or  entire 
with  central  emargination  ;  fur- 
culum  anchylosed  or  not.  Angle 
of  mandible  not  recurved  ;  max- 
illo-palatines  united  to  an  ossified 
septum  ;  rostrum  arched  and 
hooked ;  basipterygoids  present 
or  absent;  skull  desmognathous 
(after  a  fashion)  and  holorliinal. 
Hallux  always  present,  usually 
valid  and  insistent;  outei*  toe  re- 
versible in  some  cases,  never  per-  ''"■  '-'  ~  "•""  '^  ^  ""■'  "  i""'>-  '"'■'""  Mi.  n..  i 
manently  reversed.  Ambiens  present  (except  in  Strigen);  biceps  s[i|)  absent;  nil  excepting 
Gijpogeranidca  and  some  CathdilitU's  possess  the  fcinorocaudal.  but  not  its  accessory,  nor  tin- 


618  SYSTEMATIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  RAPTORES. 

seinitendinosus  nor  its  accessory  (excepting  Cathartides,  which  have  the  two  last  named,  and 
Gyi^ogeranides,  which  have  these  and  the  accessory  femorocaudal).  Coeca  present  (except  in 
Cathartides) .  Oil-gland  present  in  all,  nude  in  Cathartides  and  as  a  rule  in  Striges.  After- 
shafts  present  (usually),  lacking  in  Pandion  and  nearly  all  Striges,  and  all  Cathartides ;  wing 
aquintocubital.  Powder  down  patches  sometimes  occur;  there  are  two  carotids ;  the  syrinx, 
when  developed,  is  of  ordinary  broncho-tracheal  character,  or  bronchial  (Striges).  The  nature 
is  altricial,  yet  ptiloptedic,  the  young  being  downy  when  hatched,  and  long  fed  by  the  parents  in 
the  nest.  The  alimentary  canal  varies  with  the  families,  but  differs  from  that  of  vegetarian  birds, 
in  adaptation  to  exclusively  animal  diet.  In  the  higher  types,  the  whole  structure  betokens 
strength,  activity,  and  ferocity,  carnivorous  propensities  and  predaceous  nature.  Most  of  the 
smaller,  or  weaker,  species  feed  much  upon  insects ;  others  more  particularly  upon  reptiles, 
and  lish ;  others  upon  carrion ;  but  the  majority  prey  upon  other  birds,  and  small  mammals, 
captured  in  open  warfare.  To  this  end,  the  claws  no  less  than  the  beak  are  specially  adapted, 
by  their  development  in  the  "talons"  which  we  constantly  associate  with  our  ideas  of  Birds 
of  Prey.  These  weapons  of  offence  and  defence  are  as  a  rule  of  great  size,  strength,  crook- 
edness, and  acuteness ;  also  peculiar  in  being  convex  on  the  sides,  gradually  narrowed  to  the 
point,  and  little  or  not  excavated  underneath.  Inner  claw  larger  than  outer ;  hinder  smaller 
than  middle ;  all  very  flexibly  jointed,  so  that  they  may  be  strongly  bent  underneath  the  toes, 
carrying  to  the  extreme  the  grasping  power  of  the  feet.  Legs  muscular  and  largely  free  from 
the  body,  feathered  to  the  suffrago  or  beyond ;  when  unfeathered,  the  tarsal  envelop  varies  in 
character.  Wings  ample,  and,  as  usual  in  birds  below  Passeres,  the  coverts  long  and  numerous, 
covering  three-fourths  or  more  of  the  folded  wing.  The  tail,  very  variable  in  shape,  has  12 
rectrices  (with  rare  exceptions  as  14  in  Thalassoaetus,  Neophron,  etc). 

Representatives  of  this  order  are  found  in  every  part  of  the  world.  They  are  divisible  into 
four  primary  groups,  of  more  classificatory  value  than  that  attaching  to  average  families  in 
ornithology,  and  therefore  to  be  held  as  supcrfamilies  or  suborders.  One  of  these,  Gypogeran- 
ides,  consists  of  the  single  remarkable  Serpentarius  serpentarius,  the  Secretary-bird  or  Serpent- 
eater  of  Africa ;  this  shows  a  curious  grallatorial  analogy,  being  mounted  on  long  legs  like  a 
Crane,  and  has  several  important  structural  modifications.  The  other  three  are  Striges  or 
Owls;  Accipitres  or  Hawks,  Eagles,  etc.,  including  Old  World  Vultures;  and  Cathartides  or 
American  Vultures  —  these  last  more  different  from  the  others  collectively  than  the  rest  are 
from  one  another.  All  are  well  represented  in  this  country.  They  are  recognizable  at  a 
glance,  but  the  following  analysis  will  serve  to  place  the  characters  of  the  suborders  and  their 
respective  families  in  strong  relief. 

Analysis  oj  Suborders  and  Families. 

Feet  scarcely  raptorial,  with  weak,  blunt,  lengthened,  little  curved  or  contractile  claws.  Hind  toe  elevated,  not 
more  than  half  as  long  as  outer  toe,  with  small  claw  ;  middle  toe  lengthened ;  outer  toe  not  versatile  ;  front  toes 
all  webbed  at  base ;  basal  joint  of  middle  toe  longer  than  either  of  the  succeeding  ones.  Nostrils  large,  perfo- 
rate. Bill  little  raptorial,  lengthened  and  somewhat  contracted  in  continuity,  tomia  never  lobed  or  toothed,  tip 
blunt,  little  hooked.  Head  largely  naked.  Index  digit  with  a  large  claw.  No  lower  larynx,  coeca,  aftershafts, 
or  tuft  of  oil-gland.  Ambiens  present;  femorocaudal  present  or  absent :  semitendinosus  and  its  accessory  pres- 
ent    plantar  tendons  sympelmous,  but  flexors  after  fusion  split  into  tendons  for  2d-4th  toes,  and  others  for  1st- 

3d  toes CATHARTIDES 

Diurnal ;  gressorial  ;  feed  exclusively  on  carrion Cathartid.e 

Feet  highly  raptorial,  with  large,  strong,  sharp,  curved,  contractile  claws.  Hind  toe  not  elevated,  lengthened,  more 
than  half  as  long  as  outer  toe,  with  large  claw ;  outer  toe  often  versatile  ;  front  toes  with  slight  basal  webbing 
between  outer  and  middle,  or  none.  Nostrils  small,  imperforate.  Bill  short,  stout,  very  seldom  contracted  in 
its  continuity,  tomia  often  once  or  twice  lobed  or  toothed,  tip  sharp,  much  hooked.  Head  feathered  completely 
or  in  greatest  part.  Coeca  present,  long  or  very  small.  Plumage  with  or  without  aftershafts.  Ambiens  present 
or  absent.  Femorocaudal  present.  Semitendinosus  and  its  accessory  absent.  As  a  rule,  saltatorial,  and  kill 
their  prey. 

Physiognomy  not  peculiar ;  no  great  lateral  expansion  of  the  cranium  or  thickening  of  its  walls  with  diploe  ; 
eyes  looking  sideways ;  no  facial  disc  or  only  an  imperfect  one ;  base  of  bill  not  hidden  by  appressed 
feathers.     Nostrils  wholly  in  the  cere.     Tomia  usually  toothed  or  lobed.     No  external  ear-conch.     Outer 


STRIGES:   NOCTTJRNAL   BIRDS    OF  PREY.  619 

toe  not  shorter  than  inner,  and  rarely  versatile.  Basal  joint  of  middle  toe  longer  than  the  next.  Feet 
with  rare  exceptions  mostly  or  entirely  naked  of  feathers,  scutellate  or  reticulate,  or  both  ;  toes  always 
bare  and  scaly.  Sternum  commonly  single-notched  or  -fenestrate  on  each  side,  sometimes  entire.  Oil- 
gland  tufted.     Plumage  compact,  usually  aftershafted  ;  flight  audible.     Ambiens  present.     Diurnal 

ACCIPITRES 

Outer  toe  not  reversible,  and  plumage  usually  aftershafted.     Feet  sympelmous  or  desmopelmous  : 

tendon  of  flexor  perforans  supplying  2d-lth  toes,  that  of  flexor  hallucis  going  to  1st  toe  and  by 

vinculum  to  2d  toe Fai,coxid.s; 

Outer  toe  reversible,  and  plumage  without  aftershafts.     Feet  sympelmous,  but  tendon  of  flexor  per- 
forans going  to  2d-4th  toes,  that  of  flexor  hallucis  to  all  the  toes PASDIONID.E 

Physiognomy  peculiar  by  reason  of  great  lateral  expansion,  lengthwise  contraction  and  diploic  thickening  of 
the  often  unsymmetrical  cranium  ;  eyes  looking  forward,  surrounded  with  a  radiated  disc  of  modified 
feathers,  in  front  appressed,  autrorse,  hiding  base  of  bill.  Nostrils  usually  at  edge  of  the  cere.  Tomia 
never  lobed  or  toothed.  A  large  external  ear-conch  often  developed.  Outer  toe  completely  versatile, 
shorter  than  iimer  toe.  Basal  joint  of  middle  toe  not  longer  than  second,  much  shorter  than  the  penul- 
timate one.  Feet  usua'ly  feathery  or  bristly  to  or  on  the  toes.  Oil-gland  nude.  Plumage  usually  with- 
out aftershafts,  soft  and  lax ;  flight  noiseless.  Ambiens  absent.  Feet  desmopelmous,  tendon  of  flexor 
perforans  to  2d^th  toes,  that  of  flexor  hallucis  to  hind  tee,  only  by  vinculum  acting  also  on  2d-4th  toes. 

Nocturnal STRIGES 

Sternum  entire  behind,  with  central  emargiuation :  furculum  anchylosed.     Middle  claw  pectinate. 

Facial  disc  complete,  triangul:ir ALCC0NiD.a; 

Sternum  notched  or  fenestrate  ;  furculum  free.     Middle  claw  not  pectinate.     Facial  disc  circular 
when  complete Strioid.s; 

Suborder  STRIGES :   Nocturnal  Birds  of  Prey  ;   Owls. 
(Accipitres  Nocturnes,  or  Nyctharpages.) 

Head  very  large,  and  especially  bri)ad  from  side  to  side,  but  sliorteued  lengthwise,  the 
"face"  thus  formed  further  defined  by  a  more  or  le.^s  complete  "ruff,"  or  circlet  of  radiating 
feathers  of  peculiar  texture,  on  each  side.  Eyes  very  large,  looking  more  or  less  directly  for- 
ward, set  in  a  circlet  of  radiating  bristly  feathers,  and  overarched  by  a  superciliary  shield. 
External  ears  extremely  large,  often  provided  with  an  operculum  or  movable  flap,  presenting 
tlie  nearest  approach,  among  birds,  to  the  ear-conch  of  mammals.  Bill  shaped  much  as  in  or- 
dinary Accipjitres,  but  thickly  beset  at  base  with  close-pressed  antrorse  bristly  feathers,  and 
never  toothed.  Nostrils  large,  commonly  opening  at  edge  of  cere  rather  than  entirely  in  its 
substance.  Hallux  of  average  length,  never  obviously  elevated  ;  outer  toe  more  or  less  perfectly 
versatile  (never  permanently  reversed),  shorter  than  inner  toe  ;  its  first  tliree  joints  very  short, 
altogether  not  as  long  as  the  succeeding  one ;  basal  joint  of  middle  toe  not  longer  than  the  next. 
Claws  all  very  long,  much  curved,  and  extremely  sharp,  that  of  middle  toe  pectinate  in  some 
species.  As  a  rule,  tarsi  more  or  less  completely  feathered,  and  whole  foot  often  thus  covered. 
Among  numerous  osteological  characters  may  be  mentioned  frequent  asymmetry  of  skull;  wide 
separation  of  inner  and  outer  tablets  of  brain-case  by  intervention  of  spongy  diploe ;  spongy 
maxillo-palatines  an<l  lacrymals,  which  latter  long  persist  distinct ;  desmognathous  palate  ; 
holorhinal  nostrils ;  ba.'^i[)terygoid  processes ;  commonly  mjinubriated  and  4-notched  (if  not 
entire)  sternum  ;  a  peculiar  structure  of  tarso-metatarsus ;  a  particular  arrangement  of  bones 
about  the  shoulder-joint,  and  weakness  of  furculum  when  not  anchylosed  with  sternum.  The 
cervical  vertebrfe  appear  to  be  constantly  14.  Five  pairs  of  ribs  reacli  the  sternum.  Gullet 
capacious,  but  not  dilated  into  a  special  crop;  gizzard  only  moderately  muscular;  intestines 
short  and  wide;  coeca  extremely  long,  club-shaped,  sometimes  largely  dilated  at  the  ends. 
Syrinx  wholly  bronchial,  with  one  pair  of  intrinsic  and  one  of  extrinsic  muscles.  Oil-gland 
nude  or  barely  tufted.  Ambiens  absent,  as  also  semitendinosus  and  accessory,  accessory  femo- 
rocaudal,  biccj)S  slip,  and  expansor  of  secondaries  ;  feniorocaudal  present.  Feet  desmopelmous, 
in  the  peculiar  way  abovesaid.  Wings  aquintocubital.  The  featliers  liave  no  aftcrsliaft,  or 
exceptionally  a  very  small  one,  and  the  general  plumage  is  very  soft  and  lilended. 

The  Nocturnal  Birds  of  Prey  will  lie  immediately  recognized  by  tlnir  peculiar  pliysi<ig- 
ni.iiiy,  in.lepciKlcntly  of  tlie  technical  characters  that  mark  tlu-m  as  a  natural,  sharply-defined 


620 


5  YS  TEMA  TIC  S  Y  NOP  SIS.  —  RA  P  TOR  ES  —  S  TRIGES. 


group.  They  are  highly  monomorphic,  without  extremes  of  aberrant  form  ;  Lut  the  ease  with 
which  they  are  collectively  defined  is  a  measure  of  the  difficulty  of  their  rigid  subdivision,  which 
is  not  yet  satisfactorily  determined.  Too  much  stress  has  been  laid  upon  the  trivial,  although 
evident,  circumstance  of  presence  or  absence  of  the  peculiar  "horns''  that  many  species  pos- 
sess. These  are  tufts  of  lengthened  feathers  rising  over  the  eyes  from  the  forehead,  commonly 
called  "ear-tufts;"  but  they  have  nothing  to  do  with  the  ears,  and  are  more  appropriately 
named  "plumicorns,"  or  feather-horns.  More  reliable  characters  may  be  drawn  from  the 
structure  of  the  external  ear  and  facial  disc,  the  modifications  of  which  appear  to  bear  directly 
upon  mode  of  life ;  these  parts  being  as  a  rule  most  highly  developed  in  the  more  nocturnal 
species;  some  points  of  internal  structure  have  been  found  correspondent.     Thus,  one  group, 


Fig.  4  .'5.  —  '■  Est  illis  Slririihu!:  nomen  ;  sed  nominis  Imjus 

Causa  quod  horrenda  stridere  uocte  soieiit."  —  Ovid,  Fiisli,  vi.  139. 
"  Screec/i-oivls  they  're  called,  because  with  dismal  cry 
lu  darkling  uight  from  place  to  place  they  fly." 

of  which  the  Barn  Owl,  Aluco  flammeuSi  is  type,  is  very  distinct  in  the  angular  contour  and 
high  development  of  the  facial  disc,  pectination  of  middle  claw,  and  other  characters  upon 
which  a  family  Aluconidce  may  be  established.  Probably  the  rest  of  the  suborder  fall  in  two 
subdivisions  of  a  single  family  Strigidce,  the  essential  characters  of  which  have  already  been 
contrasted  with  those  of  A  lueonidtc. 

The  nearest  relatives  of  Striges,  outside  their  own  order,  are  Caprimulgi  —  the  relationship 
being  really  very  close  through  tlie  genus  Steatornis.  As  is  well  known.  Owls  are  eminently 
nocturnal  birds  ;  but  to  tliis  rule  there  are  numerous  striking  exceptions.  This  general  habit 
is  correspondent  to  the  modification  of  the  eyes,  the  size  and  structure  of  which  enalile  the 
birds  to  see  by  night,  and  cause  them  to  sufi"er  from  the  glare  of  sunlight.  Most  species  pass 
the  daytime  secreted  in  hollow  trees,  or  dense  foliage  and  other  dusky  retreats,  resuming  their 


ALUCONID.E:  BARN  OWLS.  621 

wonted  activity  after  nightfall.  Owing  to  the  jjeculiar  texture  of  the  plumage,  their  flight  is 
perfectly  noiseless,  like  the  mincing  steps  of  a  cat ;  and  no  entirely  fanciful  analogy  has  been 
drawn  between  these  birds  and  the  feline  carnivora  that  chiefly  prey  stealthily  in  the  dark. 
The  nest  is  commonly  a  rude  affair  of  sticks  gathered  in  the  various  places  of  diurnal  resort; 
the  eggs  are  several  (commonly  3-G),  white,  subspherical.  The  9>  '^s  a  rule,  is  larger  than 
(J,  but  the  sexes  are  alike  in  color;  the  coloration  is  commonly  blended  and  diffuse,  difficult  of 
concise  description.  Owls  feed  entirely  upon  animal  substances,  and  capture  their  prey  alive 
—  small  quadrupeds  and  birds,  reptiles  and  insects,  and  even  fish.  Like  most  other  Raptores, 
they  eject  from  the  mouth,  after  a  meal,  bones,  hair,  feathers,  and  other  indigestible  sub- 
stances, made  up  into  a  pellet.  They  are  noted  for  their  loud  outcries,  so  strange  and  often  so 
lugubrious,  that  it  is  no  wonder  traditional  superstition  places  these  dismal  night-birds  in  the 
category  of  things  ill-omened.  Besides  the  well-known  lines  which  are  set  beneath  two  f)f  the 
accompanying  figures,  the  reader  may  recall  the  Owl  as  among  the  'portents  weird'  whic'a 
foretell  the  fate  of  the  unhappy  queen  of  Carthage,  when,  deserted  by  'pious'  ^Eneas,  she 
resolves  to  die. 

"  Solaque  culminibus  ferali  carmine  huho 
Saepe  queri,  et  longas  iu  fletum  ducere  voces."  —  Vero  ,  ^n.,  iv.  4G2. 

The  hoot-owl,  brooding  ominous  above 

Her  fateful  house,  is  wearing  dismal  night  away 

With  wild  vociferation.     Portents  weird,  etc. 

Owls  are  among  the  most  completely  cosmopolitan  birds;  with  minor  modifications  ac- 
cording to  circumstances,  their  general  habits  are  much  the  same  the  world  over.  A  difficulty 
of  correctly  estimating  the  number  of  species  arises  from  tlie  fact  that  many,  especially  of  the 
more  generalized  types,  have  a  wide  geographical  distribution,  and,  as  in  nearly  all  such  cases, 
they  split  into  more  or  less  easily  recognized  races,  the  interpretation  <jf  which  is  at  present  a 
matter  of  opinion  rather  than  a  settled  issue.  About  200  species  pass  current ;  out  of  about  50 
generic  names  now  in  vogue,  probably  less  than  one-half  represent  some  structural  peculiarity. 


Family   ALUCONID^:   Barn  Owls. 
(Fam.  STRIGID.E    of  A.  0.  U.  Lists.) 

Two  genera  of  Owls,  Aluco  and  Heliodilus,  difi'er  so  much  from  other  Striges  that  they 
may  properly  constitute  a  family  apart  from  StrigidcB.  The  prime  character  is  anchylosis  of 
furculum  with  sternum,  which  latter  bone  has  no  manubrium  in  front  and  is  entire  behind  (un- 
usual ;  compare  fig.  5<)).  There  is  no  bony  canal  for  the  passage  of  the  extensor  tendon  of  the 
toes.  External  characters  are :  facial  disc  and  outer  ear-parts  highly  developed,  the  former 
not  circular,  but  rather  triangular,  the  latter  symmetrical ;  middle  and  inner  toes  of  about  equal 
lengths;  inner  edge  of  middle  claw  serrate  or  jagged,  simulating  the  pectination  seen  in  Capri- 
midgidcB,  to  which  birds  these  Owls  are  curiously  related  through  Steatortm.  The  pterylosis, 
as  well  as  pattern  of  coloration,  is  peculiar:  the  plumage  is  very  downy ;  the  habits  of  the 
species  are  eminently  nocturnal.  The  U'a<ling  genus,  Aluco,  of  several  species  or  races,  is 
nearly  cosmop<ditan,  being  absent  only  from  high  latitudes  and  some  insular  rcirions.  The 
other  genus,  Heliodilus,  is  a  Madagascan  tyi)e.  A  third  genus,  Phodilus  or  Pholodilns,  of 
which  one  species,  P.  badius.  inhabits  portions  of  eastern  Asia,  Ceylon,  Java,  and  Borneo, 
is  the  connecting  link  with  the  other  family,  and  Udw  removed  thereto,  though  long  kept  in 
the  present  one.  It  has  no  manubrium  sterni  and  no  bony  canal  of  the  tarso-metatarsus,  but 
the  sternum  is  notched  behind,  and  the  incomplete  clavicles  do  not  reach  its  keel ;  the  outer 
toe  has  only  4  phalanges.  The  gentral  external  aspect  of  P.  hndius  resembles  that  of  the 
I?arn  Owls.  —  X.  15.    Adoption  <<{  Ahico  for  IJani  Owls,  instead  o(  Stri.r,  rcquiri's  the  present 


622 


SYSTEMA  TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  RAPTORES  —  STRIGES. 


family  to  be  called  Aluconidce,  instead  of  Strigidce;  which  latter  name  is  to  be  applied  to  the 
succeeding  fiimily.  The  Linnseau  genus  Strix,  1758,  which  included  all  Owls,  was  first  di- 
vided in  17(J0  by  Brisson,  who  made  ^'.  stridula  the  type  of  his  restricted  genus;  consequently, 
Strix  cannot  be  used  for  the  Barn  Owls.  The  first  tenable  name  for  the  genus  of  which  the 
Barn  Owl  is  type  is  Alnco  Fleming,  Phil.  Zool.  ii,  1822,  p.  236.  S.  aluco  Linn.  1758,  p.  93, 
No.  6,  is  the  European  Barn  Owl,  commonly  called  S.  Jiammea,  though  S.  aluco  LiNN.  1766, 

p.  132,  No.  7,  is  S.  stri- 
dula :  see  Newton,  Ibis, 
1876,  pp.  94-104,  and  Diet. 
B,  1894,  p.  673.  On  re- 
viewing tlie  whole  case,  I 
find  that  Newton  is  indis- 
putably right,  according  to 
A.  0.  U.  canons  of  nomen- 
clature ;  and  the  A.  0.  U. 
Checlv  List  violates  its  own 
rules  in  calling  the  present 
f  a  m  i  1  y  Strigidce.  A  lu  co  - 
nid(E  must  stand  as  name 
of  this  family,  as  in  2d-4th 
cds.  of  Key. 

ALU'CO.  (Ital.  allocco  or 
alocho,  some  kind  of  Owl, 
]>erhaps  the  European  Barn 
Owl,  A.  flammeus.  As  a 
Latin  word,  Aluco  dates 
1.503,  in  Gaza's  Aristotle; 
as  a  genus  in  ornithology 
it  dates  from  Fleming, 
1828.  Figs.  47,  426.) 
Barn  Owls.  To  al)ove 
characters  add :  Wings 
very  long,  pointed,  folding 
beyond  tail ;  1st  or  2(1  pri- 
mary longest,  none  emargi- 
nate.  Tail  short,  nearly 
even  or  emarginate,  about 
i  as  long  as  wing.  Tarsus 
nearly  twice  as  long  as  mid- 
dle toe  without  claw,  closely  feathered,  the  plumage  becoming  scant  and  bristly  below^,  like 
that  on  the  nearly  naked  toes,  and  reversed  in  direction  on  the  posterior  aspect  ;  claws  ex- 
tremely long  and  acute  (see  fig.  47).  Bill  lengthened,  compressed ;  cere  nearly  as  long  as 
rest  of  culmen  ;  nostrils  oval ;  no  plumicorns  ;  eyes  comparatively  small,  black  ;  ears  very 
large;  bill  light-colored;  plumage  flagrant,  not  dichromatic  and  of  peculiarly  delicate  texture 
as  well  as  special  pattern  of  coloration  ;  the  subtriangular  or  somewhat  cordate  figure  of  the 
facial  area  variable  in  form  at  the  pleasure  of  the  bird  ;  size  medium.  One  North  American 
species  or  subspecies,  among  several  which  inhabit  collectively  most  parts  of  the  world. 
Others,  more  distinct  from  the  stock  form,  A.  flammeus,  are  A.  novce-hoUandice,  and  A.  tene- 
bricosa,  both  Australian  ;  A.  castanops,  Tasmanian  ;  A.  capensis,  S.  African;  A.  Candida, 
Indian.     (Genus  Strix  of  the  A.  0.  U.  Lists,  by  error  :  see  above.) 


Fig.  42G.  —  Barn  Owl 


Brelim. ) 


'  From  yonder  ivy-mantled  tower, 
The  moping  owl  does  to  the  moon  complain 
01  such,  as  wand'ring  near  her  secret  bower, 
Molest  her  ancient  solitary  reign."  —  Gray. 


STRIGID.E:   OTHER    OWLS. 


623 


A.  pratin'cola.  (Lat.  pratincola,  meadow-inhabitiug.)  American  Barn  Owl.  Monkey- 
faced  Owl.  Above,  iucliuliug  upper  surfaces  of  wiugs  and  tail,  tawny,  fulvous,  or  orange- 
brown,  delicately  clouded  or  marbled  with  ashy  and  white,  and  dotted  with  blackish,  some- 
times also  with  white  ;  such  marking  resolved,  or  tending  to  resolve,  into  4  or  5  bars  of  dark 
mottling  on  the  wings  and  tail.  Below,  including  lining  of  wings,  varying  from  pure  white 
to  tawny,  ochrey,  or  fulvous,  but  usually  paler  than  upper  parts  and  dotted  with  small  but 
distinct  blackish  specks.  Face  varying  from  white  to  fulvous  or  purplish-brown,  in  some 
shades  as  if  stained  with  claret,  usually  quite  dark  or  even  black.  About  eyes,  and  border  of 
disc,  dark  brown.  Thus  extremely  variable  in  tone  of  coloration,  but  the  pattern  more  constant, 
while  the  generic  characters  render  the  bird  unmistakable.  Nestlings  covered  with  tiufFy 
white  down.  Length  15.00-17.00  or  more ;  e.\tent  about  44.00  ;  wing  13.00-14.00  ;  tail  6.00- 
7.00;  bill  0.95;  tarsus  2.75.  9  hxrger  than  ^.  The  superior  size  is  the  chief  distinction 
from  the  Old  World  A.  flammeus,  of  which  I  have  kept  it  as  a  subspecies  in  all  previous  edi- 
tions of  the  Key,  and  now  accord  it  full  rank  with  much  misgiving,  in  deference  to  the  A.  0.  U. 
U.  S.  from  Atlantic  to  Pacific  ;  somewhat  southerly,  rarely  known  N.  to  Massachusetts,  New 
York,  southern  Ontario,  Michigan,  Wisconsin,  Minnesota,  and  Washington;  S-  into  Mexico, 
West  Indies  and  Central  America ;  abundant  in  wooded,  settled,  and  especially  maritime 
regions ;  resident  in  most  of  its  range,  but  only  migratory  or  irregular  northerly ;  gregarious  at 
times  ;  nests  from  January  to  May  in  different  latitudes  or  localities  ;  broods  one  or  two  a  year. 
Breeds  naturally  in  liollow  trees,  or  holes  in  the  ground,  frequently  in  barn,  belfry,  tower,  or 
other  building;  eggs  3-11  or  indefinitely  numerous,  ordinarily  5-7  in  number,  dead  white,  or 
soiled  yellowish-white,  about  1.75  X  1.25,  nearly  equal-ended  or  more  ovate,  laid  with  little 
or  no  prepai-atiou  upon  the  debris  of  the  hole,  commonly  bones  and  other  refuse  of  food, 
which  is  chiefly  small  quadrupeds  and  insects.  Eggs  in  diS'erent  stages  of  incubation,  even 
fresh  eggs  and  young,  may  be  found  together  in  the  nest.  This  is  the  bird  which  figures  every 
now  and  then  in  the  nevA-spapers  as  the  "  monkey  "  or  "  monkey-faced  "  Owl.  (^Strix  flammea 
var.  americana  Coues,  Key,  1872,  p.  201  ;  Alnco  flammeus  pratincola  of  2d-4th  eds.  of  the 
Key,  after  S-  pratincola  Bp.  183S.)  The  latter  is  the  right  specific  name,  but  coupled  with 
the  wrong  generic  name,  in  the  A.  0.  U.  List,  No.  365. 


Family   STRIGID^ :    Other  Owls. 
(Fam.  BUBONID.E  of  A.  0.  U.  Lists.) 

All  other  Striges,  as  far  as  . 
known,  have  the  sternum  once 
or  twice  notched  on  each  side  be- 
hind, with  a  manubrium  in  front, 
and  the  furculum  free  or  even 
defective,  being  represented  l>y  a 
pair  of  stylets,  which  do  not  jniu 
in  one  bone.  There  is  a  bony 
canal  for  jjassage  of  the  comninu 
extensor  tendon  of  the  toes.  Tlie 
outer  ear-parts  are  sometimes  as 
higlily  developed  as  in  Aliico- 
nid(C,  or  tliey  may  be  ((uite  small. 
When  large,  with  a  reversible 
iiap  or  operculum,  the  ear-parts  tend  to  become  unsymmetricil  on  right  and  left  sides  of  the 
head;  and  this  asymmetry  is  often  carried  so  far  as  to  attcct   the  sluipe  of  the  whole  skull, 


Via.  427.  —  Mobl)ii>K  in  owl.     (From  Mii-helct.) 


624  SYSTEMATIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  RAPTORES  — STRIGES. 

which  is  thus  set  askew.  The  facial  disc  varies  in  size  and  perfection,  being  largest,  most 
circular,  and  most  completely  radiating  from  the  eye  as  a  centre  in  those  species  in  which  the 
ear-conch  is  best  developed.  These  two  characters  would  therefore  seem  to  go  together,  and 
they  are  not  correlated  with  presence  or  absence  of  plumicorns  —  an  obvious  but  trivial  differ- 
ence, which  carries  little  weight  in  classification.  Inner  toe  shorter  than  middle,  and  middle 
claw  not  pectinate.  The  extent  of  feathering  of  the  feet  varies  with  almost  every  genus.  It 
proves  advisal)le  to  make  the  foregoing  main  characters  the  basis  of  a  division  of  Strigidce  into 
two  subfamilies,  Strigince  and  Biihonince. 

Analysis  of  Subfamilies  and  Genera. 

StriginjE.     Eye  centric  in  large  complete  circular  disc,  and  ear-conch  larger  than  eye,  with  well-developed  oper- 
culum ;  ear-parts  more  or  less  unsymmetrical.     Strictly  nocturnal. 
Plumicorns  absent ;  cere  short. 

Ear-parts  subsymmetrical.     Large  :  length  over  12  inches  ;  wing  15  or  less  ;  tail  under  10     ...     .     Strix 
Largest :  length  over  20  inches  ;  wing  IG  or  more  ;  tail  over  10       .      Scotiaptex 

Ear-parts  as3Tnmetrical.     Small  :  length  under  12  inches Nyctala 

Plumicorns  present ;  cere  longer  than  rest  of  culmen.     Ear-parts  asymmetrical As^o 

BuBONiN*.     Eye  eccentric,  nearer  top  tlian  bottom  of  more  or  less  incomplete  disc,  and  ear-conch  not  larger  than 
eye,  without  developed  operculum,  symmetrical.     Not  strictly  nocturnal. 
Plumicorns  present,  well-developed. 

Very  large  :  length  over  18  inches  ;  tail  about  §  the  wing Bubo 

Small :  length  under  12  inches ;  tail  about  §  the  wing Megascops 

Plumicorns  present,  rudimentary.     Very  large  :  length  over  18  inches.     Wliite Nyctea 

Plumicorns  absent. 

Tarsus  full-feathered. 

Tail  graduated.     Length  over  12  inches.     Hawk-like Surnia 

Tail  rounded.     Length  much  under  12  inches.     Arboreal Glaucidium 

Tarsus  naked  or  scant-feathered. 

Length  under  8  inches.     Arboreal Micropallas 

Length  over  8  inches.     Terrestrial Speo/y/o 

A'SIO.  (Lat.  asio,  a  kind  of  horned  owl.)  Eared  Owls.  Marsh  Owls.  Skull  and  ear- 
parts  more  or  less  unsymmetrical :  conch  of  immense  size,  about  as  long  as  skull  is  high,  fur- 
nished with  a  movable  operculum  for  its  fall  length.  Eyes  centric  in  perfectly  developed  facial 
disc.  Plumicorns  more  or  less  developed.  Nostrils  at  edge  of  cere,  which  is  somewhat  inflated, 
and  longer  than  chord  of  culmen  beyond  it;  bill  rather  weak.  Wings  about  twice  as  long  as 
tail,  pointed,  2d  primary  usually  longest,  only  1  or  2  primaries  emarginate  on  inner  webs. 
Feet  closely  feathered  to  ends  of  toes.  Of  medium  size  ;  our  species  12.00-16.00  long.  Em- 
bracing about  12  species,  and  nearly  cosmopolitan.  Our  Long-eared  Owl  is  decidedly  difi'er- 
ent  from  that  of  Europe,  Asio  otus,  but  the  Short-eared  has  not  been  satisfactorily  distinguished 
from  the  almost  cosmopolitan  A.  accipitrimis. 

Analysis  of  Subgenera  and  Species. 

Plumicorns  long,  many-feathered  {Asia  proper) wilsonianus 

Plumicorns  short,  few-feathered  {Brnchyotus) accipiirinus 

A.  wilsonia'nus.  (To  A.  Wilson.  Figs.  56,  428.)  American  Long-eared  OwL.  Ear- 
tufts  conspicuous,  about  as  long  as  middle  toe  and  claw,  of  8-12  feathers.  First  primary  only 
emarginate  on  inner  web.  Upper  parts  brownish-black,  minutely  mottled  with  grayish-white, 
and  variegated  with  the  tawny  of  basal  portions  of  the  feathers  which  comes  to  the  surface 
here  and  there;  general  effect  dark,  quite  different  from  the  tawny  streaking  of  A.  otus  of 
Europe.  Under  parts  confused  blackish-brown,  grayish-white  and  tawny;  on  breast  marbled 
in  large  pattern,  for  the  rest  with  dusky  shaft-lines  throwing  off  dusky  cross-bars  (several  on 
each  feather)  on  a  whitish  ground,  and  the  tawny  bases  of  the  feathers  showing  more  or  less ; 
feet  and  crissum  mostly  immaculate,  tawny  or  whitish.     Quills  blackish -brown,  regularly 


STRIGIDJE:    OTHER    OWLS. 


625 


barred  with  mottled  gray,  and  towards  their  bases  witli  tawny,  which  hitter  forms  a  conspicu- 
ous area  on  outer  webs  of  several  primaries.  Lining  of  wings  tawny,  separated  by  a  dusky 
area  from  similar  bases  of  inner  webs  of  pri- 
maries. Tail  like  secondaries,  dusky  with  gray 
marbled  bars,  and  more  or  less  tawny  toward 
base  ;  but  from  below  presenting  quite  light, 
with  numerous  firm  narrow  dusky  bars.  Facial 
disc  mostly  tawny,  framed  all  around  in  a  black- 
ish border  speckled  with  wliitish,  and  more  or 
less  blackened  about  eye;  usually  a  whitish 
superciliary  line ;  bristles  at  base  of  bill  mixed 
whitish  and  blackish  ;  plumbeous-blackish,  ba- 
sally  tawny,  edged  on  one  side  with  whitish. 
Bill  and  claws  blackish  ;  iris  yellow.  Length 
J4.00-16.00;  extent  about  39.00;  wing  ILOO- 
12.00;  tail  5.50-6.50;  tarsus  1.25-1.50;  chord 
of  whole  culmen  about  1.00.  Less  variable 
than  many  Owls,  and  always  easy  to  recognize. 
Temperate  N.  Am.,  common,  generally  dis- 
tributed, resident  as  a  rule,  irregularly  migra- 
tory or  roving  to  some  extent,  then  generally  in 
flocks;  perfectly  nocturnal,  and  thus  screened 
from  casual  observation,  even  where  it  is  numer- 
ous, but  often  surprised  in  the  daytime  in  shady 
resorts,  as  thick  bushes  along  streams,  canons, 
caves,  etc.  Nesting  various,  in  a  hollow  tree 
or  stump,  rift  of  rock,  or  on  the  ground,  but 
mainly  in  deserted  nests  of  other  birds,  as  Hawks, 
Crows,  Magpies,  or  even  Herons;  usually  con- 
structed with  little  art,  as  when  in  a  hollow  or  on  the  ground,  sojnetimes  better  built  or  refitted 
in  l)ranches  of  a  bush  or  tree,  at  a  varying  height  of  10  to  40  feet.  Eggs  J3-7,  oftener  4  or  5, 
wliite,  subspherical,  1 .50  to  1 .60  X  1  -30  to  1.40,  laid  from  February  to  May  in  different  latitudes, 
usually  found  in  varying  stages  of  incubation  of  the  same  set,  or  with  young  birds  in  the  nest 
before  all  the  eggs  are  hatched;  incubation  supposed  to  take  about  21  days;  nestlings  covered 
with  grayish-white  down.  The  food  of  this  Owl  is  mostly  small  rodents ;  it  also  eats  small 
birds,  frogs,  and  insects.  It  is  one  of  our  handsomest  species,  with  its  trim  form,  showy  plu- 
mage, pricked-up  ears,  and  general  jaunty  air;  it  has  the  trick  (»f  drawing  itself  up  tall,  stiff, 
and  slim,  with  close-shut  feathers,  like  a  soldier  on  dress  parade,  and  again  of  swelling  up  and 
fluffing  out  the  plumage,  to  make  itself  look  big  and  fierce. 

^.  accipitri'nus.  (Lat.  (tccijntrinus,  hawk-like.  Figs.  420,  430.)  Short-earfd  Owl. 
Mak.sh  Owl.  Ear-tufts  inconspicuous,  much  shorter  than  middle  toe  and  claw,  few- feathered. 
First  and  second  primaries  einarginate  on  inner  webs.  Above,  completely  variegated,  chiefly  in 
streaks,  with  fulvous  or  tawny,  and  dark  brown  ;  breast  much  the  same,  but  other  under  parts 
paler  ochrey,  usually  bleaching  on  belly,  which  is  sparsely  but  sharply  streaked  (never  barred) 
with  dark  brown  ;  feet  pale  tawny  or  wliitisli,  usually  immaculate  ;  lining  of  wings  interruptedly 
whitish.  Wing-quills  varied,  mostly  in  large  jiattern,  and  tail  pretty  regularly  barred  (about 
5  bars)  with  the  two  colors  of  upper  ])arts.  Farial  area  white  or  nearly  so.  but  witli  a  large 
black  eye-patcli ;  disc  minutely  speckled  with  fulvous  and  blackisii,  bordered  with  white  inter- 
nally and  usually  having  a  blackish  patch  behind  ear;  radiating  feathers  of  operculum  streaked 
with  blackish  and  fulvous.     Iris  bright  yellow ;  bill  an<I  claws  dusky-bluish;  naked  granular 

40 


Fio.  428.  —  Long-eared  Owl. 


626 


SYSTEMATIC   SYNOPSIS.  — RAPTORES  —  STRIGES. 


soles  yellowish.     The  ear-opening  is  extremely  large,  being  2.00  or  more  across  the  longest 

way.  Length  of  a  $  14.50;  extent 
41.00;  wing  12.00;  tail  6.00;  tar- 
sus to  end  of  middle  claw  3.50 ; 
chord  of  culmen,  cere  included, 
1.12;  9  averaging  larger  than  $. 
Young  birds  are  much  darker  col- 
ored than  the  adults  ;  the  face  quite 
uniformly  blackish,  the  upper  parts 
dark  brown  with  broad  pale  buff 
tips  of  the  feathers,  the  lower  parts 
dingy  grayish-buff,  with  few  if  any 
markings.  In  any  plumage  it  is 
rather  a  plain,  plebeian  Owl,  whose 
appearance  corresponds  with  its 
lowly,  unpretentious  habits.  In- 
habits N.  Am.  at  large,  and  most 
^  other  parts  of  the  world  ;  migratory 
with  us,  and  sometimes  seen  in  con- 
siderable flocks,  especially  in  marshy 
places,  which  are  its  favorite  hunt- 
ing-grounds for  the  small  quadru- 
peds and  other  animals  upon  which 
it  preys.  It  is  a  great  destroyer  of 
shrews  and  field-mice,  deserving  on 
this  account  to  be  protected  in  the 
interests  of  agriculture.    The  breed- 

PiG.  429. -Short-eared  Owl,  reduced.     (Sheppard  del.     Nichols  sc.)         j^^^  ^^^^^   jg   nearly  Coincident  with 

tlie  general  distribution  of  the  species  in  this  country,  but  most  of  the  birds  nest  in  the  northern 
parts  of  the  U.  S.  and  thence  within  the  Arc- 
tic Circle,  retiring  from  these  high  latitudes 
in  winter;  the  season  for  eggs  ranges  from 
March  in  the  South  to  July  in  the  North,  but 
is  mostly  April  and  May  for  ordinary  lati- 
tudes. The  nest  is  commonly  built  on  the 
ground,  sometimes  in  an  underground  bur- 
row, consisting  of  a  little  hay  and  feathers  ; 
eggs  4-7,  dull  white,  roundish,  about  1.55 
X  1-25.  This  Owl,  though  a  member  of  the 
most  nocturnal  division  of  its  family,  is  one 
of  those  frequently  abroad  in  the  daytime, 
and  in  dull  weather  may  be  observed  quarter- 
ing low  over  the  ground  in  open  places,  on  its 
broad  noiseless  pinions,  in  search  of  its  hum- 
ble quarry;  it  is  not  a  woodland  bird,  like 
most  of  its  ti'ibe,  but  lives  in  rank  herbage. 
STRIX.  (Gr.  (TTptyl,  strigx,  Lat.  strix,  a 
screech-owl.)  Gray  Owls.  Brown  Owls. 
Wood  Owls.     Skull  and  ear-parts  more  or  ^'°-  «o.  -  Short-eared  Owi. 

less  unsymmetrical,  the  latter  large,  furnished  with  a  moderate  operculum  scarcely  reaching 


STRIGIDM:   OTHER    OWLS. 


627 


yui^  Aiuevfe.^) 


Ku».  4ai.  —  Uiirioil  Owl 


628  SYSTEMATIC   SYNOPSIS.— RAPTORES  — STRIGES. 

the  whole  length  of  the  opening.  Head  very  large,  appearing  as  broad  as  the  body,  and  per- 
fectly smooth,  there  being  no  plumicorns:  facial  disc  complete  and  of  great  extent,  the  com- 
paratively small  eyes  centric  in  the  radiating  feathers.  Nostril  in  edge  of  cere,  which  is  shorter 
than  rest  of  culmen.  Bill  yellow  ;  iris  dark  brown  or  black.  Tail  very  long,  f  to  |  as  long  as 
wings.  Wings  much  rounded;  5  primaries  sinuate  on  inner  webs;  ]st  quite  short.  Feather- 
ing of  feet  variable;  tarsus  always  feathered,  but  toes  wholly  or  partly  feathered,  or  naked. 
Plumage  of  under  parts  barred  on  the  breast  at  least,  if  not  throughout.  Nest  in  trees;  eggs 
few.  A  large  genus  of  "  earless  "  Owls,  chietly  of  the  northern  hemisphere,  of  medium  to 
large  size  ;  ours  about  1|-  feet  long.  North  America  has  at  least  two  }>erfectly  distinct  species; 
the  commonest  one  of  these,  S.  nebulosa,  represents  the  European  Tawny  Owl,  S.  stridula, 
badly  miscalled  "  Syrnium  aluco  "  by  so  many  writers.  As  shown  in  my  article  on  the  genus 
Aluco,  Strix  alnco  Linn.  ]758,  is  the  European  Barn  Owl,  Aluco  flammeus,  belonging  to  the 
other  ftimily  of  Owls.  Furthermore,  the  genus  Syrnium  Savig.  J  809,  has  no  standing  what- 
ever in  ornithology,  being  a  mere  synonym  of  Strix  in  the  strictest  sense.  Hence  the  A.  0.  U. 
is  in  error  in  using  Syrnium  as  the  name  of  the  present  genus,  as  I  was  similarly  in  error  in 
the  original  edition  of  the  Key,  1872. 

Analysis  of  Species. 

Under  parts  barred  on  the  breast,  elsewhere  streaked.     Length  H  feet  or  more. 

Toes  fully  feathered.     Eastern  U.  S nebulosa 

Toes  mostly  naked.     Florida  to  Texas alleni 

Under  parts  barred  everywhere.     Length  under  \h  feet. 

Toes  fully  feathered.     Western  U.  S occidentalis 

S.  nebulo'sa.  (Lat.  nebulosa,  clouded.  Figs.  431,  432.)  Barred  Ow^l.  Hoot  Owl. 
Rain  Owl.  American  Wood  Owl.  Toes  fully  feathered,  nearly  or  (juite  t<t  claws,  which  are 
blackish;  bill  yellow  ;  iris  black.  Of  medium  size  in  the  genus  :  length  18.00-20.00  ;  extent 
about  44.00  ;  wing  12.50-13.50,  rouuded  ;  tail  9.00-10.00,  rounded.  Markings  of  back  and 
breast  in  cross-bars,  of  belly  in  lengthwise  stripes.  Above,  umber-brown  or  liver-color,  every- 
where barred  with  white  or  tawny,  or  both  ;  breast  the  same; 
on  belly  the  pattern  changing  abruptly  t<^»  heavy  dusky  shaft- 
stripes  on  a  white  or  tawny  ground  ;  crissum  the  same  ;  feet 
speckled  with  dusky ;  wings  and  tail  like  back  or  rather 
darker,  regularly  barred  with  gray,  light  brown  or  tawny, 
some  of  the  bars  usually  making  white  spots  at  their  ends, 
and  marking  of  wing-coverts  rather  in  spots  than  bars. 
Lining  of  wings  tawny,  with  some  dusky  spotting.  Facial 
i'^^i^j:):^^^^^!'^^^''*'  disc  set  in  a  frame  of  black  and  white  specks,  with  black- 
ened eyelids,  and  obscurely  watered  with  lighter  and  darker 
F,u.  432. -Barred  Owl,  reduced.  ^^^^^.^  ^^  ^.-^^^^^  around  eye  as  a  centre,  the  bristly  feathers 
about  bill  mixed  black  and  white,  or  white  at  base,  blackened  terminally.  A  notably  large 
and  somewhat  impressive  Owl  of  eastern  North  America,  common  in  woodland  of  the  U.  S., 
especially  southerly  (except  the  range  of  its  subspecies  alleni),  west  to  Colorado;  not  rang- 
ing much  north  of  the  U.  S.,  though  occurring  in  some  parts  of  the  Dominion  of  Canada; 
replaced  in  Western  U.  S.  by  S.  occidentalis,  from  the  Rocky  Mountains  to  the  Pacific.  It 
is  the  commonest  "hooting"  Owl,  the  strange  outbursts  of  midnight  discord  which  one  may 
hear  about  the  farm-house  or  camp-fire  proceeding  oftener  from  this  species  than  from  the 
Great  Horned  Owl.  It  is  strong  enough  to  prey  upon  poultry,  quail,  rabbits  and  squirrels,  as 
well  as  humbler  game,  mostly  mice,  also  frogs  and  other  reptiles,  insects,  sometimes  crustaceans 
and  fish ;  occasionally  it  turns  cannibal,  and  devours  small  Owls.  It  is  thoroughly  nocturnal,  and 
very  seldom  seen  abroad  by  day,  even  in  the  thickest  woods,  whose  umbrage  is  so  congenial 


STRIGID.E:    OTHER    OWLS.  629 

to  this  solitary  and  stubborn  reeluse.  Nest  usually  in  a  hollow  tree,  sometimes  a  desei-ted 
Hawk's  or  Crow's  nest;  eggs  2,  3,  or  4,  white,  subspherical,  about  2.00  X  l-7o,  laid  from 
February  to  April. 

S.  n.  al'leni.  (To  J.  A.  Allen.)  Florida  Barred  Owl.  Like  nebulosa  proper,  but  toes 
almost  eutirely  naked.  The  feathering  of  the  tarsus  stops  at  the  roots  of  the  toes  almost  as 
abruptly  as  it  does  in  Megascons  flammeola,  in  comparison  with  M.  asio,  though  a  slight  strip 
of  bristly  feathers  ruus  a  little  way  along  outside  of  middle  toe.  The  barring  of  the  breast 
seems  to  be  heavier,  on  an  average.  South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States,  from  S.  Carolina  to  Texas. 
Habits  like  those  of  the  common  Barred  Owl,  but  nesting  earlier  on  an  average,  Jan. -Mar., 
and  eggs  usually  only  2  in  number.  (Probably  S.  georgiea  Lath.  1801.) 
S.  n.  helve'olum.  (Lat.  helveolus,  yellowish.)  Texas  Barred  Owl.  Size  of  nehidosum 
]u-oper;  toes  naked  as  in  alleni  ;  coloration  pallid  throughout  in  comparison  with  the  type 
form  ;  legs  and  feet  buff  or  whitish,  with  few  or  none  of  the  dusky  markings  of  the  other  forms. 
Corpus  Christi,  Texas.  (Bangs,  Pr.  N.  Engl.  Zool.  Club,  i,  Mar.  \i\,  1899,  p.  31 ;  Auk,  Oct. 
1899,  p.  341.) 

S.  occidenta'lis.  (Lat.  occidentalis,  western.)  Western  Barred  Owl.  Spotted  Owl. 
Xanthus  Owl.  Toes  feathered  as  in  S.  nebulosa.  Decidedly  smaller  than  that  species, 
and  otherwise  readily  distinguished.  Ground-c<d()r  of  upper  parts  much  the  same,  but  the 
barring  broken  up  into  spotting,  for  the  most  part  ;  on  back  and  wing-coverts  resulting  in 
irregular  variegation,  on  head  making  small  round  white  spots.  Wings,  tail,  and  facial  disk 
much  as  in  nebulosa.  Under  parts  quite  diflferent,  the  markings  being  in  bars  everywhere, 
with  little  difierence  in  pattern  between  the  belly  and  the  breast.  The  latter  is  closely  and 
regularly  barred  with  brown  and  white,  as  in  nebulosa,  and  if  the  barring  is  at  all  diflferent  ou 
belly,  it  is  from  separation  of  the  white  bars  into  pairs  of  spots,  in  any  event  very  different  in 
appearance  from  the  firm  lengthwise  stripes  of  nebulosa.  The  difference  between  the  two 
species  in  this  regard  is  comj)arable  to  that  between  the  Long-  and  Short-eared  Owls.  Tiie 
lining  of  the  wings  is  fully  spotted  with  dusky  on  a  tawny  ground.  The  general  brown  color 
of  the  bird  is  on  tlie  whole  warmer  than  that  of  nebulosa.  Length  16.00  or  more  ;  wing 
12.00-13.50;  tail  8.00-9.00.  Western  U.  S.,  southerly;  has  been  found  in  Colorado,  New 
Mexico,  Arizona,  California  (original  specimen  from  Fort  Tejou),  Lower  California,  and 
some  parts  of  Mexico,  and  is  probably  not  so  rare  as  has  been  supposed.  Habits  as  far 
as  known  not  different  from  those  of  the  Barred  Owl ;  nest  in  the  hollow  of  a  tree,  or  built 
on  a  branch,  of  small  sticks,  bark,  hay  and  featheis  ;  eggs  known  to  be  4  in  one  case,  and 
to  be  laid  in  April;  size  about  2.05  X  1.80,  and  shai)e  thus  well  rounded,  as  usual  in  the 
genus. 

S.  o.  cauri'nus.  (Lat.  caurinus,  northwestern  ;  caurus,  the  northwest  wind.)  NORTHERN 
Spotted  Owl.  Merriam's  Owl.  Like  the  last,  darker  and  richer  in  coloration  ;  dark  areas 
larger  and  darker ;  white  markings  smaller,  especially  on  head  and  back,  where  the  spotting  is 
leduced  to  a  minimum  ;  primaries  without  whitish  tips,  with  only  an  indistinct  pale  band 
mixed  with  a  little  whitish  on  outer  side  of  the  vanes,  and  faint  terminal  edging  on  some  of 
tlie  feathers;  the  3  or  4  i)ale  bars  toward  ends  of  the  feathers  also  obsolescent.  Coast  region 
ofWashingtcm  and  British  Columbia.  New  to  the  Key.  Syrnium  o.  caurinum  Mekuia.m, 
Auk,  .Ian.  1898,  p.  39;  A.  0.  U.  Suppl.  List.  Auk,  Jan.  1899,  p.  109,  No.  m\)  a. 
BU'BO.  (Lat.  bubo,  the  great  horned  owl  or  "grand  duke"  of  Europe,  B.  ma.nnnis.  iguarus 
or  bubo.)  Great  Horned  Owls.  Eagle  Owls.  Hoot  Owls.  Grand  Di'kes.  Skull 
and  ear-parts  symmetrical  (of  same  size  on  both  sides  of  head),  the  latter  simply  elliptical, 
non-opcrculate,  not  longer  than  the  great  yellow  eye,  whicli  is  eccentric  in  the  moder.itely  de- 
veloped facial  disc  (nearer  its  toj)  than  bottom).  Plumiconis  highly  developed.  Nostrils  oval, 
in  edge  of  cere,  which  is  not  inflated,  nor  as  long  as  rest  of  culmen  ;  bill  robust,  black,  not 
buried  in  frontal  bristles.     Wings  rather  short,   folding  slmrt  of  end  of  tail,  .'M  or  -1th   primary 


630 


S YS TEMA TIC  S YNOPSIS.  —  RAP TORES  —  STRIGES. 


longest,  first  2  or  3  emarginate  near  their  ends.  Tail  rounded,  more  than  i  as  long  as  wing, 
its  under  coverts  not  reaching  its  end.  Feet  densely  feathered  to  last  .]\)int  of  toes,  but  claws 
exposed.  Of  medium  and  very  large  size  (some  species  are  nearly  the  largest  of  Owls),  and 
variegated,  usually  dark,  colors ;  plumage  not  dichromatic.  Embracing  numerous  species,  of 
all  America  and  nearly  all  of  the  Old  World ;  only  one,  however,  in  North  America,  with  sev- 
eral ill-defined  subspecies. 

B.  virginia'nus.  (Lat.  virginianus,  Virginian.  Fig.  43.3.)  Great  Horned  Owl.  Hoot 
Owl.  Cat  Owl.  American  Grand  Duke.  Distinguished  by  large  size  and  conspicuous  ear- 
tufts,  our  other  species  of  similar  stature 
being  tuftless  or  nearly  so.  Length  nearly 
or  about  2  feet;  extent  4  or  5  feet;  wing 
14.00-16.00  inches;  tail  8.00-10.00;  tarsus 
2.00-2.25;  culmen  without  cere  1.10-1.20. 
9  averaging  much  larger  than  ^.  Plu- 
mage varying  interminably,  no  concise  de- 
scription meeting  all  its  phases.  A  white 
collar  on  throat  is  the  most  constant  color- 
mark.  On  the  upper  parts,  the  under  plu- 
mage tawny,  but  so  overlaid  with  coarse 
mottling  of  blackish  and  white,  that  the 
tawny  shows  chiefly  on  head,  nape,  and 
scapulars;  mottling  chiefly  transverse,  re- 
solving into  7  to  9  continuous  or  broken 
bars  on  wings  and  tail.  Under  parts  white, 
indefinitely  tawny-tinged,  and  for  the  most 
part  barred  crosswise  with  blaclvisii,  cliang- 
ing  on  fore  breast  to  ragged  and  rather 
lengthwise  blotches.  Feathering  of  feet 
nearly  plain  tawny.  Ear-tufts  black  and 
tawny;  a  dark  mark  over  eye;  border  of 
facial  disc  black;  face  white  or  tawny,  but 
the  feathers  mostly  black-shafted.  Bill  and 
claws  black  ;  iris  yellow  ;  pupil  always  cir- 
cular ;  wlien  fully  dilated  as  large  as  a 
finger-ring,  contractile  to  size  of  a  pea. 
Young  covered  at  first  with  white  down  ; 
Fig.  433. -Great  Horned  Owl.    (Frou.  The  Ooprey.)  ^^^^  plumage    more   uniformly  tawuy  and 

lighter-colored  than  it  becomes  after  the  first  moult,  when  the  white  collar  and  other  distinc- 
tive markings  are  assumed.  This  powerful  bird,  only  yielding  to  the  Great  Gray  Owl  in 
linear  dimensions,  but  not  in  bulk  of  body,  and  inferior  to  none  in  spirit  or  prowess,  is  a  common 
inhabitant  of  North  America  at  large,  representing  B.  bubo  of  Europe.  The  typical  or  ordinary 
form  (atlanticus  Cass.)  occurs  throughout  Eastern  N.  Am.,  N.  to  Labrador,  W.  to  the  E.  edge 
of  the  Great  Plains.  It  is  non-migratory  ;  breeds  in  all  winter  and  early  spring  months  (some- 
times in  December,  often  in  January,  usually  February  or  March),  laying  in  hollows  of  trees 
or  rifts  of  rocks,  occasionally  on  the  ground,  often  in  a  bulky  nest  of  sticks  on  the  branches  of 
tall  trees,  then  appropriating  and  renovating  that  of  a  Crow,  large  Hawk,  or  Eagle.  Eggs 
usually  2  or  3,  often  4,  rarely  more,  and  2  the  most  frequent  number,  likely  to  hatch  ^  and 
9;  they  are  thick-shelled,  granular,  unglossy,  colorless,  subspherical,  about  2.1.5  X  l-*0  in 
size ;  duration  of  incubation  about  three  weeks.  The  young  begin  to  hoot  when  about  4 
months  old.    If  taken  early  enough  from  the  nest,  they  may  become  docile  and  even  affectionate ; 


STRIGID.E:   OTHER    OWLS.  631 

but  captive  adults  generally  prove  intractable.  This  Owl  preys  upon  birds  and  quadrupeds  up 
to  the  size  of  domestic  f(jwls  and  rabbits,  and  is  more  destructive  to  poultry  than  any  Hawk 
whatever ;  it  often  kills  more  than  it  can  devour,  only  eating  off  the  heads  of  its  victims.  It 
is  habitually  abroad  in  the  daytime,  apparently  not  at  all  inconvenienced  by  sunlight.  Runs 
into  the  following  varieties,  which,  however,  are  not  as  strictly  geographical  as  the  names 
would  indicate  :  — 

B.  V.  arc'ticus.  (Lat.  arctieus,  northern.)  White  Horned  Owl.  Very  pale  ccdored,  fre- 
quently quite  whitish,  and  not  distantly  resembling  the  Snowy  Owl,  from  which,  however,  it 
is  easily  distinguished  by  the  long  plumicorns  and  other  generic  characters.  (See  Swainson's 
fig.  in  F.  B.  A.,  pi.  30.)  Boreal  and  alpine  North  Am.;  such  specimens  occasional  in  north- 
ern U.  S.  in  winter,  and  Rocky  Mt.  region.  This  form  has  stood  correctly  in  the  Key  since 
1872;  the  attempt  of  the  A.  0.  U.  to  subdivide  it  into  B.  v.  arctieus  and  jB.  v.  suharcticiis, 
Lists,  1886-95,  Nos.  375  h  and  375  a  (after  Ridgw.,  Orn.  40th  Par.  1877,  p.  572)  has  been 
abandoned  (see  Auk,  Apr.  189(3,  pp.  153-1.36,  and  Jan.  1897,  p.  134). 

B.  V.  paci'flcus.  (Lat.  pacificus,  of  the  Pacific  ocean.)  Pacific  Horned  Owl.  Very 
dark  colored,  chiefly  blackish  and  grayish,  with  little  tawny,  and  what  there  is  of  it  dull ; 
facial  disc  quite  ashy.  Rather  smaller  than  average  virginianus ;  but  the  diflference  is  slight. 
Western  N.  Am.,  but  by  no  means  confined  to  the  Pacific  coast  region.  The  smallest 
specimens  I  have  seen  are  from  Lower  California.  Cass.,  111.  B.  Cal.,  etc.,  July,  1854, 
p.  178,  and  in  Baird,  B.  N.  A.  1858,  p.  49;  Coues,  Key,  orig.  ed.  1872,  p.  202,  and  2d- 
4th  eds.  1884-90,  p.  504;  ignored  in  A.  0.  U.  Lists,  1886  and  1895;  admitted  in  Eighth 
Suppl.  Auk,  Jan.  1897,  p.  119,  No.  "375c";  given  as  "3756"  in  Ninth  Suppl.  Auk,  Jan. 
18il9,  p.  110. 

B.  V.  saturatiis?  (Lat.  saturated,  sc.  with  color.)  DusKY  Horned  Owl.  Extremely  dark- 
colored  with  little  or  no  tawny;  facial  disc  sooty  brown  mixed  with  grayish-white.  Size  of 
ordinary  virginianus.  Pacific  coast  region.  Upper  California  to  Alaska;  "  Labrador,"  and 
also  accredited  to  much  of  interior  N.  Am.  Apparently  a  dark  littoral  form,  in  the  extreme 
pliase  of  which  the  tawny  is  extinct.  RiDGW.  Orn.  40th  Par.  1877,  p.  572;  Man.  1887, 
p.  263 ;  A.  0.  U.  Lists,  1886  and  1895,  No.  375  c;  not  separated  from  pacificus  in  2d-4th  eds. 
of  the  Key,  and  prttbably  not  separable. 

Obs.  B.  v.  occidentalis  Stone,  Auk,  Apr.  ISOfi,  p.  155,  is  inadmissible,  being  simply  the  common  species,  somewhat 
lighter  than  usual,  and  insomuch  tending  toward  B.  v.  arctieus;  type  from  Mitchell  Co.,  Iowa.  See  Auk,  Jan.  1897, 
p.  13'.'. 

MEGASCOPS.  (Gr.  ^eyas,  megas,  large,  and  (tku)\I/,  Lat.  scops, a,  small  kind  of  owl;  our  species, 
though  small,  are  larger  than  the  typical  (Scops  giu  of  Euroj)e.  Fig.  434.)  Little  Horned 
Owls.  Screech  Owls.  Dukelets.  Like  a  miniature  Bubo  in  form  (all  our  species  under 
a  foot  long).  Skull  and  ear-parts  symmetrical;  latter  small,  simply  elliptical,  with  rudimen- 
tary operculum  ;  facial  disc  moderately  developed  ;  plumicorns  evident ;  nostrils  at  edge  of  core, 
which  is  not  inflated,  and  shorter  than  rest  of  culmen.  Wings  rounded,  but  long,  about  twice 
the  lengtli  of  the  short  rounded  tail,  about  to  end  of  which  they  fold  ;  in  our  species  4th  and  5th 
primaries  longest,  1st  quite  short;  3  or  4  outer  primaries  sinuate  or  emarginate  on  inner  webs. 
Tarsus  feathered  (in  our  species),  but  toes  only  partly  bristly  (in  the  M.  asio  group)  or  quite 
naked  (as  in  M.  flammeola).  Plumage  dichromatic  in  some  cases;  i.  e.,  some  individuals  of 
the  same  species  normally  mottled  gray,  while  others  are  reddi.»<h.  the  two  phaj^es  very  distinct 
when  fully  dcvelop(;d,  but  shading  insensibly  into  each  other,  and  entirely  independent  i>f  age, 
season,  sex,  or  locality;  the  same  individual  may  he  red  or  gray  at  different  times,  and  may  ]>ass 
from  one  phase  to  tlie  other  by  aptosochromatism  —  that  is,  by  alteration  in  tlie  ]>igments  of  tiie 
{>lumage,  without  loss  of  old  or  gain  of  new  feathers  (Auk,  Jan.  1897,  p.  38,  pi.  1 ).  In  nornijil 
jihimage,  a  white  or  wliitisli   .scapular  stripe  ;  lower  parts  with  lengthwise  l>lotchis  or  shaft- 


632 


SYSTEMA TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  RAPTORES  — STRIGES. 


lines  and  crosswise  bars  or  waves  of  blackish  or  dark  color;  upper  parts  Avitli  black  or  blackish 
shaft-lines   on   a  Unely-dappled   brown  or  gray  ground  (more  or  less  obliterated  in  the  red 

phase)  ;  facial  disc  black-bor- 
dered nearly  all  around ;  wing- 
quills  spotted  or  marbled  on  outer 
webs,  barred  on  inner  webs.  Tail 
with  light  and  dark  bars.  Young 
covered  with  white  down.  Nest 
in  holes ;  eggs  plural.  A  large 
and  nearly  cosmopolitan  genus, 
especially  rich  in  tropical  spe- 
cies ;  but  only  three  known  to 
inhabit  N.  Am.,  one  of  them  run- 
ning into  several  local  races  very 
ditficult  to  characterize  satisfac- 
torily. Obs.  This  is  the  genus 
Scops,  Savigny,  1809,  Type  S. 
giu  of  Europe.  Kaup,  in  found- 
ing his  subgenus  Megascops,  Isis, 
1848,  p.  765  and  p.  769,  clearly 
intended,  not  to  replace  Scops, 
but  to  separate  from  S.  giu  cer- 
tain larger  species  of  the  same 
genus,  among  them  our  S.  asio, 
the  first  one  he  names  on  p.  765, 
therefore  to  be  assumed  as  the 
type  of  Mcgascops.  But  his  intention  was  frustrated  by  the  mishap  that  Brunnich,  in 
1772,  had  used  the  word  Scops  wrongly  instead  of  Scopus  —  whether  by  accident  or  design 
we  shall  never  know.  This  miserable  business  of  misusing  the  classic  name  of  a  certain 
Owl  for  a  certain  water  bird  (Scopus  umbretta)  throws  out  Scops  of  Savigny,  1809;  and  as 
Ephialtes  Keys,  and  Blas.  1840,  based  on  S.  giu,  is  also  preoccupied,  having  been  before 
used  in  entomology,  the  next  name  in  order  is  Megnscops  Kaup,  for  the  whole  genus  Scops! 
See  Auk,  April,  1885,  p.  183,  where  Dr.  Stejneger  makes  the  point,  from  which  I  see  no 
escape,  under  A.  O.  U.  canons  of  nomenclature. 


Fig.  434. —Screech  Owl,  reduced.     (From  Dall.) 


Analysis  of  Subgenera,  Species,  anil  Stibspecies. 

Toes  bristly  or  partly  feathered.     Plumicorna  conspicuous.     {Megascops  proper) asio 

Face  not  fringed  with  filaments. 

Dichromatic  ;  red  pliase  bright  rusty.     Eastern. 

Medium  in  size  ;  wing  usually  between  G.OO  and  7.00  ;  tail  about  3.50.     Markings  of  under  parts  coarse, 
irregular,  and  blotchy,  usually  wanting  on  middle  of  belly ;  of  upper  parts  fine  but  irregular,  without 

nuchal  collar.     Eastern  U.  S.  and  Canada asio 

Small :  wing  usually  5.50-G.OO ;  tail  about  3.00.     Markings  as  in  asio,  but  rather  heavier.     S.  Atlantic 

and  Gulf  States Jioridanus 

Small :  size  of  Jioridanus.     Markings  of  under  parts  fine,  regular,  of  upper  parts  coarse,  but  regular, 

with  tendency  to  a  nuchal  collar.     Texas maccalli 

Dichromatic  :  red  phase  rusty-brown.    Northwestern. 

Large  :   wing  usually  over  7.00.     In  the  gray  phase  like  asio,  but  markings  of  under  parts  finer,  more 

regular  and  continuous.     Northwest  coast  region kennicoiti 

Large:  s\ze  oi  kennicoH i ;  coloration  of  6en(/(rei  (monochromatic).     Interior macfarlanei 

Dichromatism  not  known  to  occur.     Western. 

Medium  ;  size  of  average  asio.     Markings  of  under  parts  thick,  regular,  continuous  over  the  whole  sur- 
face ;  of  upper  parts  exactly  as  in  usio.     California beiulirei 

Medium  :  size  of  average  asio.     Ground  color  ashy  ;  dark  markings  coarse  and  heavy.     Plains         aikeni 


STRIGIDJ^:   OTHER    OWLS. 


633 


Medium  :  size  of  average  asio.     Ashy-gray  above,  etc.     New  Mexico  and  Arizona     ....    cineraceus 
Large  :  size  over  average  asio.     Markings  of  all  parts  very  light,  the  gray  pale,  with  much  white,  espe- 
cially on  wings  and  under  parts.     Rocky  Mts. mazwellicE 

Face  fringed  with  filaments.     Mexico  and  Arizona trichopsis 

Toes  perfectly  naked.     Plumicorns  short.     (Psiloscops.)    Larger.     Southwestern jiammeola 

Smaller.     Idaho idahoensis 


M.  a'sio.  (Lat.  «.sw,  a  Idud  of  horned  owl.  Fig.  435.)  Little  Horned  Owl.  Screech 
Owl.  Mottled  Owl.  Gray  Owl.  Red  Owl.  American  Dukelet.  Of  medium 
size  in  the  genus,  i  ?:  Length  8.00-10.00;  extent  about  22.00;  wing  0.00-7.00,  usually  be- 
tween these  numbers ;  tail  8.00-3.50;  9  larger  than  ^ .— Gray  ornormal  phase,  inluh  $  9: 
Upper  parts  brownish-gray  in  minutely  dappled  pattern  of  lighter  and  darker  shades,  every- 
where finely  but  irregularly  streaked  with  black  or  blackish  shaft-lines,  usually  most  evident 
on  the  crown.  A  conspicuous  oblique  scapular  bar  formed  by  white  or  creamy  outer  webs  of 
several  scapulars,  each  usually  touched  with  black  at  its  end ;  a  second  similar  bar  on  outer 
webs  of  several  outer  wing-coverts.  Wing-quills  dusky  ;  outer  webs  of  primaries  with  several 
distinct  conspicuous  white  or  buff  spots;  inner  webs  of 
primaries  and  both  webs  of  secondaries  with  numerous 
alternating  lighter  and  darker  bars ;  lining  of  wings 
mostly  yellowish-white.  Tail  like  secondaries,  but  the 
light  bars  mostly  ragged  or  dissipated  in  marbling. 
Facial  disc  set  in  a  blackish  frame  nearly  all  around ; 
mostly  finely  mottled,  but  lores  and  chin  usually  whit- 
ish, immaculate.  Taking  white  as  ground  color  of  the 
under  parts,  this  is  coarsely  and  irregularly  blotched  and 
streaked  with  thick  sliaft-lines  giving  off  numberless 
finer  curved  or  wavy  cross-bars  ;  general  aspect  patchy ; 
markings  usually  wanting  on  middle  of  belly.  Iris 
yellow;  bill  livid  or  slate-gray,  pale  horn-color  at  tip; 
claws  blackish.  From  this  stage  the  "  mottled  owl " 
passes  by  insensible  degrees,  through  wood-brown, 
hazel-brown,  and  tawny  into  the  "red  owl."  Red  or 
erythrismal  phase:  Bright  rust-red,  sometimes  even 
bronzed  ;  most  of  the  special  markings  dissipated  or 
ab.sorbed  in  red,  continuous  and  uniform  above,  show- 
ing only  traces  if  any  of  black  shaft-.'^tripes ;  below, 
black  stripes  and  blotches  usually  preserved,  and  red 
also  mixed  with  much  white.  The  dark  rim  of  the  disc, 
and  white  scapular  stripes,  are  u.sually  preserved.  The 
two  phases  are  distinct  from  the  first  feathering,  which, 
in  the  normal  ))hase,  is  almost  everywhere  closely  and  regularly  barred  or  waved  crosswise  with 
dark  gray  and  pale  gray  or  whitish.  Nestlings  are  covered  with  white  down.  Eastern  U.  S. 
and  Canada  (except  the  range  of  M.  a.  floridamis),  W.  to  the  Great  Plains,  on  confines  of  its 
range  sliaiiing  into  the  several  varieties  noted  beyond ;  resident,  and  on  the  whole  the  most 
abundant  Owl,  breeding  about  buildings  as  well  as  in  hfdlow  trees  or  stumps,  and  feedinir  on 
small  tiuadrupeds,  as  mice  and  shrews,  insects  and  less  frequently  small  birds  and  reptiles ; 
nt'st  a  slight  accuuuilation  of  rubbish  in  tlie  hollow  .selected  for  a  residence,  which  is  often  a 
Woodpecker's  hole;  eggs  ordinarily  5  or  (J,  but  fmiu  4  to  7,  8,  or  9,  white,  subspherical,  1.30 
to  1.40  X  1-15  to  1.20,  laid  from  the  latter  half  of  March  to  early  in  May,  according  to  lati- 
tude. This  interesting  little  Owl,  of  the  quaint  and  curious  cries,  so  persistent  in  utterini^  its 
doleful  ditty,  is  the  best  known  and  most  familiar  of  its  uncanny  tribe;  it  belongs  to  the  group 


Fig.  Voi^.  —  Screech  Owl,  Gray  Plumage. 


634  SYSTEMATIC  SYNOPSIS. —RAPTORES— STRIGES. 

which  is  only  semi-nocturiial,  and  can  see  quite  well  by  day,  but  seldom  flies  abroad  except  at 
night.     It  is  easily  tamed,  and  makes  an  amusing  pet. 

M.  a.  florida'nus.  (Lat  of  Florida.)  Florida  Screech  Owl.  A  small  southern  form ; 
wing  5. .50-6.00;  tail  about  3.00.  Coloration  as  in  asio,  but  heavier:  a  rich  red  phase  fre- 
quent if  not  the  usual  one.  In  its  full  development  the  rusty  makes  quite  firm  crossbars  on 
the  under  parts,  which  is  not  the  rule  in  asio,  though  very  evident  in  specimens  of  asio  from 
southern  Illinois,  for  example,  where  the  red  is  by  far  the  most  frequent  plumage.  In  the 
"gray"  phase,  rather  brown  than  gray,  sometimes  quite  umber-brown,  the  feet  dark  brown, 
heavily  barred  with  dusky.  South  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States,  chiefly  coastwise;  best  marked  in 
Florida,  thence  fading  insensibly  into  asio,  both  in  size  and  color. 

M.  a.  kennicot'ti.  (To  Robert  Kennicott.)  Kexnicott's  Screech  Owl.  The  large 
dark  northwest  coast  form.  Length  about  11.00;  wing  usually  7.00-7  .50,  but  grading  down 
in  some  cases  below  7.00;  tail  about  4.00.  In  gray  phase,  similar  to  asio  proper,  and  still  more 
so  to  bendirei,  the  upper  parts  in  fact  indistinguishable,  but  markings  below  finer,  more  regular 
and  continuous  over  the  whole  surface  than  in  asio ;  in  "  red  "  phase  dusky  umber-brown,  quite 
unlike  the  bright  rust  color  of  asio.  This  state  was  long  supposed  to  be  the  only  one,  and  is 
characteristic  of  the  bird  which  occurs  coastwise  from  Oregon  to  Sitka,  shading  southward  into 
bendirei,  and  eastward  into  macfarlanei  of  the  interior.  But  the  dichromatism  of  kennicotti  is 
established  by  means  of  the  form  called  satnratits  by  Brewster,  Auk,  April,  1891,  p.  141, 
which  proves  to  be  inseparable,  and  thus  substantiates  the  view  maintained  in  the  Key,  2d-4th 
eds.  1884-90:  see  Auk,  Jan.  1894,  p.  49. 

M.  a.  macfarlanei.  (To  Robert  Macfarlane  of  the  Hudson's  Bay  Co.,  in  former  years  an 
energetic  collector  of  birds  in  British  America,  in  association  witli  Kennicott.)  Macfarlane's 
Screech  Owl.  Size  of  kennicotti,  with  the  coloration  of  bendirei.  Northwestern  U.  S.,  m 
the  interior,  Montana  to  Oregon  and  Washington  E.  of  the  Cascade  range,  thence  N.  in  Brit- 
ish Columbia.  This  is  simply  the  connecting  link  between  kennicotti  and  bendirei,  covered 
by  my  description  of  the  former  in  previous  editions  of  the  Key,  later  named  and  recognized 
by  the  A.  0.  U.  Brew.ster,  Auk,  Apr.  1891,  p.  140,  described  from  Fort  Walla  Walla, 
Wash.,  and  Hellgate  (Missoula),  Mont.  A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  3737*. 
M.  a.  bend'irei.  (To  Capt.  Chas.  Bendire,  U.  S.  A.)  CALIFORNIA  Screech  Owl.  Size 
of  asio,  and  extremely  like  it,  differing  chiefly  in  finer,  more  numerous  and  continuous  cross- 
bars of  under  parts,  which  cross  middle  of  belly  as  elsewhere  ;  the  shaft-stripes  also  appear  less 
blotchy.  It  is  thus  quite  like  the  gray  phase  of  kennicotti,  and  indistinguishable  from  macfar- 
lanei in  color,  but  averaging  smaller  than  either.  No  rich  "red"  jjhase  has  been  observed,  but 
specimens  run  from  the  normal  gray  into  more  brownish  shades.  The  plumicorns  are  said  to 
be  shorter.  Coast  region  of  California,  common.  I  have  gone  carefully  over  a  large  series, 
and  appreciate  the  points  made  by  Mr.  Brewster  and  Mr.  Ridgway.  If  these  fine  shades  are 
to  be  recognized  by  name,  tlie  present  seems  entitled  to  be  ranked  with  the  rest. 
M.  a.  niax-wel'liae.  (To  Mrs.  M.  A.  Maxwell,  of  Boulder,  Col.,  a  noted  huntress  and  taxi- 
dermist.) Rocky  Mountain  Screech  Owl.  Size  averaging  over  that  of  asio;  wing  up  to 
7. .50;  tail  up  to  4.00.  No  red  phase  observed;  but,  on  the  contrary,  the  whole  plumage  very 
pale,  almost  as  if  bleached,  the  difference  evident  in  nestlings  even.  Upper  parts  paler 
gray,  with  reduced  black  lines;  lower  whiter  with  reduced  dark  shaft-lines  and  cross-bars; 
the  scapular  bar  very  conspicuous ;  much  white  on  wing-coverts ;  white  spots  on  outer  webs 
of  several  primaries  running  into  continuous  areas  only  indented  with  small  dark  spaces.  An 
alpine  form  approaching  kennicotti  and  especially  macfarlanei  in  size,  but  as  much  lighter- 
c(dored  as  kennicotti  is  darker  than  normal  asio.  Mountains  of  Colorado,  Wyoming,  and 
Montana. 

M.  a.  ai'keni.  (To  Chas.  E.  Aiken,  of  Colorado  Springs,  Col.)  Aiken's  Screech  Owl. 
Size  of  average  asio  (9  :  wing  6.56;  tail  3.80;  tarsus  1.37;  bill  from  nostril  0.47).     No  red 


STRIGID.E:   OTHER    OWLS.  635 

phase  known.  "  Ground  color  more  ashy ;  the  dark  markings  coarser,  and  more  numerous 
and  conspicuous,  than  in  any  other  North  American  member  of  the  genus;"  resembling  M. 
aspersus  of  Mexico.  El  Paso  Co.,  Colorado,  in  the  plains  {maxwellice  in  the  alpine  region). 
Brewster,  Auk,  Apr.  1891,  p.  139;  A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  373*7. 
M.  a.  maccal'li.  (To  Col.  Geo.  A.  McCall.)  Texas  Sckeech  Owl.  A  small  southern 
form;  size  oi  floridanus;  gray  and  red  phases,  as  in  asio  proper.  Very  similar  to  asio;  in 
gray  phase,  markings  of  under  parts  finer,  firmer,  more  regular  and  continuous;  shaft-lines 
strict,  not  blotchy  ;  cross-lines  sharj) ;  stripes  of  upper  parts  coarse,  but  regular,  and  nape  with 
a  tendency  to  present  a  light  nuchal  collar.  Texas  and  southward.  Scops  viecallii  Cass.  B. 
Cal.  and  Tex.,  July,  1854,  p.  180,  and  in  Baird,  B.  N.  A.  1858,  p.  52;  ed.  1859,  p.  52, 
pi.  39;  Baird,  U.  S.  Mex.  B.  Surv.  1859,  pi.  1.  S.  asio  var.  maccallii  CouES,  Key,  1st  ed. 
1872,  p.  203,  here  first  reduced  to  a  subspecies ;  CouES,  B.  N.  W-  1874,  p.  303.  S.  asio 
maccalli  Coues,  Key,  2d-4th  eds.  1884-90,  p.  506.  Megascops  asio  maccalli  Stej.  Auk, 
Apr.  1885,  p.  184.  M.  a.  mccallii  A.  0.  U.  List,  1st  ed.  1886,  No.  373  6;  A.  0.  U.  Suppl. 
List,  Auk,  Jan.  1899,  p.  109.  '!  Scoj}S  asio  var.  enano  Lawr.  MS.,  Riogw.  in  B.  B.  and  R., 
Hist.  N.  A.  B.  iii,  1874,  p.  48;  Coues,  B.  N.  W.  1874,  p.  304.  1  Scops  asio,  subsp.  y,  enano 
Sharpe,  Cat.  B.  Brit.  Mus.  ii,  1875,  p.  118.  Megascops  asio  trichopsis  Ridgw.  Auk,  Oct. 
1895,  p.  389,  by  error  (not  trichopsis  of  Wagler);  A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  373  6,  by 
error. 

M.  a.  cinera'ceus.  (Lat.  cinerexs,  ashy.)  Mexican  Screech  Owl.  Described  by  Ridg- 
way  as  having  the  bars  of  the  lower  surface  fine,  closer  than  in  asio,  and  much  more  uniformly 
distributed ;  general  aspect  paler  than  in  asio,  with  much  finer  vermiculations.  Later  described 
by  Ridgway  as  "nearly  pure  ashy-gray  above,  the  usually  broad  black  mesial  streaks  in  con- 
spicuous contrast ;  blackish  bars  on  lower  parts  very  numerous,  narrow ;  black  border  to  face 
without  admixture  of  brown,  and  black  spots  on  breast  usually  without  distinct  brown  exterior 
suffusion;  length  about  6.50-8.00;  wing  6.10-7.00 ;  tail  3.10-3.70."  Lower  California,  Ari- 
zona, New  Mexico,  and  southward  in  western  Mexico.  Scops  asio  maccalli  Ridgw.  in  B.  B. 
and  R.  Hist.  N.  A.  B.  iii,  1874,  p.  49  and  p.  52,  by  error.  Scops  asio  subsp.  8,  trichopsis 
Sharpe,  Cat.  B.  Brit.  Mus.  ii,  p.  119,  excl.  syn.  Scops  trichopsis  Ridgw.  Pr.  U.  S.  Nat. 
Mus.  1878,  p.  114,  by  error.  Queried  as  Scops  trichopsis  f  Coues,  Key,  2d-4th  eds.  1884-90, 
p.  506.  Megascops  trichopsis  Stej.  Auk.  Apr.  1885,  p.  184,  by  error.  Megascops  asio  tri- 
chopsis Ridgw.  Pr.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.  viii,  1885,  p.  355;  A.  0.  U.  List,  1st  ed.  1886,  No.  373/; 
Ridgw.  Man.  1887,  p.  261  — all  in  error.  Megascops  asio  cineraceus  Ridgw.  Auk,  Oct.  1895, 
p.  390 ;  A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  373/.  The  status  of  this  form  is  dubious ;  but  as  I 
suspected  in  1884,  it  is  not  Scops  trichojysis  of  Wagler. 

M.  trichop'sis.  (Gr.  6pi$,  thrix,  gen.  rpixos,  trichos,  hair;  o\//'tj,  opsis,  aspect.)  Wagler's 
Owl.  Spotted  Screech  Owl  of  Brewster.  Distinct  from  any  of  the  foregoing  to  wliich 
the  name  has  been  misapplied.  Adult  9^  "Sides  of  head  conspicuously  fringed  with  black 
bristles,  longest  on  auriculars  and  superciliary  rufifs ;  tarsi  densely  feathered  on  all  sides  to  the 
toes,  the  latter  sparsely  feathered  above ;  throat  and  sides  of  neck  pale  rusty  chestnut ;  re- 
mainder of  jdumage  coaisely  spotted  and  barred  almost  everywhere  with  dull  black  "  (Brewster). 
A  red  phase.  Chihuahua  and  some  other  .-states  of  Mexico,  S(jutli  to  Guatemala.  Huachuca  Mts. 
of  Arizona.  Length  of  the  Chihuahua  type  7.50;  extent  16.25;  wing  5.66;  tail  2.89;  tarsus 
1.17;  middle  toe  0-67  ;  cuhneu  from  nostril  0.40;  depth  of  bill  0  41;  longest  feathers  of  ear- 
tufts  1.00;  Huachuca  specimens  smaller;  wing  about  5.25,  etc.  The  fringing  filaments  of  the 
face  give  this  species  an  unmistakable  aspect  and  the  name  iriclwpsis:  it  was  unknown  to  U.  S. 
ornithologists  till  described  as  aspersus  by  Brew.stek.  S.  trichopsis  Wagler,  Isis,  1832, 
p.  276.  Megascops  trichopsis  Kaup,  Trans.  Zonl.  Soc.  Lond.  iv,  18(52,  p.  227;  A.  O.  U. 
Suppl.  List,  Auk,  Jan.  18!»9,  ]i.  109,  No.  373.  1.  Megascops  aspersus  Brewst.  Auk,  Jan. 
1888,  p.  87;  Auk,  Oct.  1891,  p.  400,  pi.  3,  upper  tig.;  Auk,  Apr.  1898.  p.  186.     Also  figured 


636  SYSTEMA  TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —RAPTORES  —  STRIGES. 

ia  Biol.  Centr.  Amer.  Aves,  iii,  Nov.  1897,  p.  16.  The  slight  feathering  of  the  toes  iudicates 
au  approach  to  the  following  section  of  the  genus. 

(Subgenus  Psiloscops.) 

M.  (P.)  flamme'ola.  (hn.t.  flammeola,  here  signifying  a  little  reddish  thing.)  Flammulated 
Screech  Owl.  A  small  species,  with  much  the  general  aspect  of  an  uugrown  asio;  but  sub- 
generically  distinct  from  any  form  of  asio.  The  close  feathering  of  the  tarsus  stops  abruptly  at 
bases  of  toes,  which  are  naked,  and  the  plumicorns  are  quite  short  (afibrding  characters  of  sub- 
genus Psiloscojjs).  Length  6.50-7.00;  wing  5.25-5.50;  tail  2.75;  tarsus  0.90;  culmen,  with- 
out cere,  0.35;  middle  toe,  without  claw,  0.55.  Adult  ^  9-  Facial  disc,  sometimes  whole 
head,  rusty-rufous,  or  light  chestnut,  speckled  with  black,  on  top  of  head  also  with  white,  tend- 
ing to  form  a  superciliary  stripe.  Ground  of  under  parts  white,  but  heavily  overlaid  with  shaft- 
stripes  or  blotches  of  black  giving  oif  irregular  cross- waves,  on  the  breast  tinged  with  rusty-rufous 
here  and  there ;  tarsi  white,  speckled  with  dusky.  Upper  parts  minutely  dappled  with  dark 
brown  and  hoary-gray,  and  with  ragged  dark  shaft-stripes  ;  a  conspicuous  whitish  or  tawny  and 
white  scapular  bar,  as  in  asio.  Tail  like  back,  but  with  numerous  narrow  and  ragged  cross- 
bars of  pale  rusty  or  whitish.  Wing-quills  "  bitten  in"  on  outer  webs  with  white  or  buff,  con- 
spicuously so  on  several  primaries,  their  inner  webs  with  regular  but  narrow,  distant  and  weak 
bars,  strengthening,  however,  toward  bases  of  secondaries.  Young  ])irds,  like  those  of  asio, 
tend  to  a  uniform  cross-barring  of  the  whole  plumage,  but  especially  of  the  under  parts,  with 
light  and  dark ;  top  of  head  finely  vermiculated  in  this  manner ;  chestnut  first  appears  on  ear- 
coverts  and  about  eyes.  The  species  is  dichromatic,  and  in  the  red  phase  parts  which  are  brown 
or  gray  in  the  other  phase  are  rich  buff  or  orange-rufous ;  but  the  peculiar  pattern  of  coloration 
persists,  and  in  any  color-variation  this  interesting  little  scops,  only  about  as  large  as  a  Glait- 
cidium,  is  unmistakable.  This  is  our  nearest  representative  of  the  European  "petit  due"  or 
"  dukelet,"  commonly  called  ScojJS  giu.  From  the  highlands  of  Guatemala  and  Mexico  it  ex- 
tends northward  to  the  mountains  of  Colorado,  and  in  California  to  Fort  Crook ;  resident,  breed- 
ing up  to  10,000  feet,  in  Woodpeckers'  holes  in  trees,  May  and  June;  eggs  3-4,  1.15  X  0.95. 
M.  f.  idahoen'sis.  (Lat.  of  Idaho.)  DwARF  ScREECH  OwL.  Like  the  last,  but  still 
smaller ;  wing  about  5.00.  Coloration  paler,  especially  on  the  under  parts,  where  the  ground 
is  white,  with  fine  and  distant  dark  vermiculation,  and  the  heavier  lengthwise  black  markings 
are  mainly  restricted  to  a  single  series  on  each  side ;  chin  white ;  facial  disc  bright  tawny 
ochraceous,  with  much  less  conspicuous  dark  markings  than  in  flammeola.  Upper  parts 
nearly  as  in  the  last.  Type  specimen  adult  $  from  Ketchum,  Alturus  Co.,  Idah<j,  Sept.  22, 
1890.  Idaho  and  eastern  Washington.  If  the  chai'acters  hold  true,  when  specimens  enough 
shall  have  been  examined,  it  will  rank  as  a  good  species.  Merriam,  North  American  Fauna, 
No.  5,  July,  1891,  p.  96,  pi.  1;  Auk,  Api\  1892,  p.  169,  pi.  2;  A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895, 
No.  374  a. 

SCOTIAP'TEX.  (Gr.  a-Korla,  skotia,  darkness,  gloom;  rest  of  word  uncertain,  probably  per- 
verted from  ptynx,  Gr.  Trrvy^,  x>tugx,  the  eagle-owl.  If  so,  the  correct  form  of  the  word  would 
be  Scotioptgnx,  and  its  grammatical  gender  feminine.)  Great  Gray  Owls.  Lapp  Owls. 
General  characters  of  Strix  proper  (from  which  not  separated  till  the  4th  ed.  of  the  Key,  p.  904, 
1890.)  Size  very  great ;  but  the  apparent  dimensions  are  in  part  due  to  the  remarkably  copi- 
ous lax  plumage,  the  bird  being  notably  small-bodied  in  comparison  with  its  linear  measure- 
ments; length  2  feet  or  more.  Coloration  diffuse,  of  blended  brown,  gray,  and  whitish,  the 
dark  markings  in  excess  of  the  light  ones,  and  forming  streaks  lengthwise  on  the  breast,  but 
cross-bars  on  the  flanks.  Bill  and  feet  small,  the  former  almost  buried  in  the  facial  disk,  the 
latter  densely  clothed  with  shaggy  feathers ;  eyes  also  small,  for  an  Owl,  with  yellow  irides. 
Six  primaries  emarginate.  One  species,  of  circumpolar  distribution.  (Scotiaptex  Swains. 
Class  B,  ii,  1837,  p.  217,  usually  considered  a  synonym  of  ^'  Si/rnium,"  i.  e.    of  Strix  proper.) 


STRIGIDuE:    OTHER    OWLS.  637 

S.  cine'rea.  (Lat.  cinerea,  asliy.)  Great  Gray  Owl.  Spectral  Owl.  Feet  completely 
feathered  to  claws;  bill  auJ  eyes  yellow;  6  primaries  cut  on  inner  webs.  Entire  upper  parts 
dark  brown,  mottled  with  grayish-white  in  confused  and  intricate  pattern,  reducible  in  general 
to  dissipation  of  bars.  Wings  and  tail  similar,  broken-barred  with  grayish-white  marblino-. 
Under  parts  of  the  same  dark  brown  and  pale  gray,  the  pattern  in  streaks  on  breast,  in  cross- 
bars on  belly  and  flanks,  in  spots  on  feet.  The  great  facial  disc  watered  with  dark  hwwn  and 
light  gray  in  regular  rings  concentric  with  eacli  eye,  the  outermost  ring  dark  brown  and  stronger 
than  the  rest,  bounded  below  with  a  ragged  white  collar.  Length  2  feet  or  more;  extent  about 
5  feet;  wing  16  UO-18.00  inches;  tail  11.00-12.50;  culmen  1.00  without  cere.  An  immense 
Owl,  one  of  the  largest  of  all,  inhabiting  Northern  N.  Am.,  straying  irregularly  south  into  the 
U.  S.  in  winter,  to  southern  New  England,  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Ohio,  Illinois,  Dakota, 
Montana,  Wyoming,  Idalio,  Oregon,  and  nortliern  California ;  common  in  wooded  regions  of 
the  fur  countries  and  Alaska,  but  not  frequenting  the  barren  grounds.  Nest  in  trees,  of  sticks, 
mosses,  and  feathers;  eggs  2,  3,  or  4,  not  equal-ended  and  rather  small  for  the  bird's  appar- 
ent dimensions,  about  2.1.5  X  1-70,  laid  from  April  to  July.  Like  others  of  the  genus  it 
is  a  wood  Owl ;  while  its  prowess  enables  it  to  prey  upon  creatures  up  to  the  size  of  Grouse 
and  Hares. 

S.  e.  lappo'nica.  (Lat.  Z«^;j;oHicrt,  of  Lapland.)  Lapp  OwL.  Specimens  from  Alaska,  lighter 
colored  than  typical  cinerea,  and  with  a  basal  whitish  patch  on  inner  webs  of  the  remiges,  have 
been  referred  to  the  European  rather  than  the  American  variety,  the  Norton  Sound  examples 
being  regarded  as  Old  World  stragglers  of  Strix  lapponica  Retzius,  Fu.  Suecica,  1800,  p.  79; 
Scotiaptex  einereum  Icqjponicum  Kidgw.  Man.  1887,  p.  2G0;  Scotiaptcx  cinerea  lapponica 
CouES,  Key,  4th  ed.  1890,  p.  904;  A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895  [No.  ;}70  «.]. 
NYC'TAIiA.  (Gr.  vvKToKoi,  nuktalos,  sleepy.)  Saw-whet  Owls.  Skull  and  ear-parts 
highly  unsymmetrical,  latter  of  great  size,  fully  operculate.  Head  very  large  (as  in  Strix), 
without  pluinicorns ;  facial  disc  complete,  with  centric  eye.  Nostril  at  edge  of  cere,  which  is 
inflated  or  not.  Tail  from  ^  to  §  as  long  as  wing,  rounded.  Third  and  4th  primaries  longest ; 
1st  quite  short;  2  or  3  emarginate  on  inner  webs.  Feet  tliickly  and  closely  featliered  to  claws. 
In  this  interesting  genus  the  ear-parts  reach  extreme  asymmetry,  the  whole  skull  seeming  mis- 
shapen. Two  species  are  known,  both  of  small  size ;  one  of  circumpolar  distribution,  with  a 
subspecies  peculiar  to  North  America,  the  other,  American.  They  are  notable  for  the  unusual 
degree  of  diflFerence  between  old  and  young ;  and  our  species  are  readily  distinguished  by  stronger 
characters  than  are  ordinarily  found  between  congeneric  owls.  Eyes  yellow  in  both  ;  bill  yel- 
lowish in  one,  black  in  the  other.  Adults  umber  or  chocolate-brown  above,  spotted  with 
white,  below  white,  striped  with  brown.  Young  more  uniformly  brown,  with  plain  dark  face 
and  white  eyebrows.  Nestlings  covered  with  sooty  down ;  eggs  numerous.  Nest  in  trees ; 
habits  strictly  nocturnal. 

Analysis  of  Species. 

Larger  :  wing  about  7.00  ;  tail  4.50.     Bill  yellow  ;  cere  not  tumid  ;  nostrils  presenting  laterally,  and  obliquely  oval. 

Arctic tengmalmi  richardsoni 

Smaller  ;  wing  5.50  ;  tail  2.G7.     Bill  black  ;  cere  tumid  ;  nostrils  presenting  anteriorly,  and  about  circular.     U.  S. 

acadica 

N.  teng'iiialmi  rich'ardsoni.  (To  P.  G.  Tengmalm  and  J.  Richardson.  Fig.  4.%.)  Arctic 
American  Saw-whet  Owl.  Richardson's  Owl.  Adult  :  l'p])er  parts,  indudiui:  wings 
and  tail,  uniform  choc(tlate-brown,  spotted  with  white  ;  on  top  of  head  the  spots  small  and  ))ro- 
fuse,  on  nape  larger  and  blended  into  a  nuchal  collar,  on  back  and  wing-coverts  large  and  sparse 
but  tending  to  form  a  scapular  bar,  on  wing-quills  and  tail-feathers  in  pairs,  at  opposite  edges 
of  the  webs,  on  inner  webs  larger,  more  like  bars,  and  more  or  less  run  together,  esj)ecially  on 
inner  secondaries.  Under  i)arts  white,  tliickly  and  confusedly  streakeil  lengthwise  witli  color 
of  back.      Facial  disc  mostly  white,  I)nt  with  bl:icki.'<h  eyelids  an«i  loral   spot,  set  in  a  frame  of 


638 


SYSTEMA  TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  RAPTORES—  STRIGES. 


dark  browu  speckled  with  white.  The  general  tone  of  the  brown  is  oftenest  ruddy,  nearly  as 
in  acadica,  but  sometimes  dark  and  pure.  Length  10.00-12.00 ;  extent  24.00 ;  wing  7.00  ;  tail 
4.50;  tarsus  1.00;  middle  toe  without  claw  0.G7  ;  culinen  without  cere  0.60.  Young:  Upper 
parts  plain  brown,  lacking  the  white  spots  of  the  adults,  except  on  the  wings  and  tail;  f<\cial 
area  dark,  unmarked,  except  by  a  white  superciliary  streak;  lower  parts  plain  brownish,  fad- 
ing posteriorly  into  buff,  unmarked ;  difference  from  the  adult  thus  as  in  acadica.  Distin- 
guished from  the  European  conspecies  (fig.  436)  by  its  darker  coloration,  ochrey  feet  spotted 
with  brown  instead  of  being  nearly  immaculate  white,  and  more  heavily  streaked  under  tail- 
coverts;  the  difference  in  coloration  from  tengmalmi  proper  being  thus  closely  correspondent 
with  that  between  the  American  and  European  Hawk  Owls.  This  fine  species  inhabits  North- 
ern N.  Am.,  being  seldom  seen  in  the  U.  S.,  where  only  known  in  winter  and  not  farther  south 
than  New  England,  Wisconsin,  northern  Ohio,  Colorado,  and  Oregon,  though  it  is  possibly 
resident  in  northern  Maine,  like  the  Hawk  Owl;  breeding  range  from  just  beyond  our  N. 
border  northward  to  the  limit  of  trees.  The  nest  is  in  a  tree,  usually  in  a  hole,  sometimes 
among  the  branches  ;  eggs  2  to  6  or  7  in  number ;  size  1.20  X  1-05,  thus  very  round ;  laid  from 
late  in  April  to  early  in  June.  The  bird  feeds  mostly  upon  very  small  mammals  and  insects. 
N.  aca'dica.  (Lat.  acadica,  of  Acadia.)  Acadian  Owl.  Saw-whet  Owl.  White- 
fronted  Owl.     Kirtland's  Owl.     Adult :   Upper  parts,  including  wings  and  tail,  very 

similar  to  those  of  the  last  species,  but  usually 
ruddier  brown,  the  spotting  less  extensive,  the 
marks  on  top  of  head  pencilled  in  delicate  shaft- 
lines  instead  of  round  spots,  those  of  wings  and 
tail  exactly  as  in  richardsoni.  Under  parts  white, 
diffusely  streaked  or  dappled  with  a  peculiar  light 
brown,  almost  pinkish-brown.  Feet  immaculate 
whitish,  tinged  with  buff.  Facial  disc  mostly 
white,  but  blackened  immediately  about  eye  and 
on  loral  bristles,  and  pencilled  with  dusky  on 
auriculars ;  set  in  a  frame  of  color  of  back,  touched 
with  white  points  behind  ear ;  this  frame  distinct 
on  throat,  where  it  separates  white  of  the  disc  from 
a  white  jugular  (H)llar,  before  the  pectoral  streaks 
begin.  Bill  black ;  claws  dark ;  eyes  yellow. 
Y(nmg  quite  different  (iV.  albifrons)  :  Above, 
ruddy  chocolate-brown,  without  any  spots ;  wings 
and  tail  more  fnscous  brown,  marked  substantially 
as  in  the  adults.  Below,  color  of  back  extending 
over  all  fore  parts,  the  rest  brownish-yellow ;  no 
streaks  whatever.  Facial  disc  sooty-brown,  with 
whitish  eyebrow ;  some  white  touches  on  the  rim  behind  ear  curving  forward  to  chin.  Bill 
black.  Length  7.50-8.00 ;  extent  17.00-18.00  ;  wing  5.25-5.75  ;  tail  2.60-2.90 ;  tarsus  0.75 ; 
bill  without  cere  0.50 ;  middle  toe  without  claw  0.60.  This  curious  little  Owl,  the  most 
diminutive  species  found  in  Eastern  N.  Am.,  inhabits  the  U.  S.  from  Atlantic  to  Pacific,  goes 
N.  to  lat.  52°  in  British  Am.,  and  S.  into  Mexico.  Though  common  and  generally  distributed, 
it  is  not  very  well  known,  as  it  is  sliy  and  retiring,  perfectly  nocturnal  in  habits,  and  does  not 
often  come  under  casual  observation ;  in  regions  E.  of  the  Mississippi  Valley  it  is  most  fre- 
quently found  in  the  N.  half  of  the  U.  S.,  but  in  the  Rocky  Mts.  ranges  throughout;  it  is  a 
wood  Owl,  seldom  if  ever  occurring  in  open  country.  It  is  chiefly  noted  for  its  shrill  notes, 
which,  being  likened  to  filing  a  saw,  have  occasioned  its  name.  The  nest  is  usually  made  in 
the  hollow  of  a  tree  or  stump,  as  a  Woodpecker's  or  squirrel's  hole,  but  sometimes  the  bird  has 


Fig.  430.  —  Tengmalm's  European  Saw-wiiet  Owl 
very  near  richardsoni.     ^  uat.  size.     (From  Brehin.) 


SriUGID^E:   OTHER   OWLS. 


639 


occupied  artificial  retreats  set  up  for  its  accommodation,  like  the  Purple  Martin ;  the  eggs  are 
3-6  or  7  in  number,  white,  subglobular,  about  1.18  X  1.00;  the  largest  ones  about  equal  those 
of  the  preceding  species  in  length,  but  are  both  relatively  and  absolutely  narrower.  They  are 
laid  mostly  in  April,  but  from  late  in  March  to  early  in  June. 

NYC'TEA.  (Gr.  i/uKTeur,  wwAiiCMS,  Lat.  wi/cfeMS,  nocturnal.)  Snow  Owls.  Much  the  same 
generic  characters  as  Bubo,  but  plumicorns  rudimentary,  generally  considered  wanting;  facial 
disc  quite  incomplete,  eyes  not  centric  to  it ;  bill  nearly  buried  in  frontal  feathers  ;  feet  densely 
clothed  in  long  shaggy  feathers  which  even  hide  claws ;  4  outer  quills  emarginate  on  inner 
webs;  under  tail-coverts  reaching  end  of  tail,  which  is  rounded,  and  rather  more  than  \  as  long 
as  wiui?.  One  circumpolar  species  of  great  size,  and  mostly  white  color;  young  covered  with 
sooty  down  ;  nest  on  ground  ;  eggs  many. 

N.  uyc'tea.  (Fig.  437.)  Great  White  Owl.  Snowy  Owl.  Ermine  Owl.  Wapa- 
CUTHU.  Harfang.  Pure  wliite,  spotted  and  barred  with  brownish-black  markings,  wholly 
indeterminate  in  size  and  number; 
but  entirely  white  specimens  are 
very  rare.  There  is  often  more 
blackish  th;in  white ;  in  darkest 
birds,  the  markings  tend  to  bar 
the  plumage  with  rovrs  of  spots, 
such  pattern  specially  evident  on 
wings  and  tail.  A  common  aver- 
age plumage  is  spotted  over  all 
upper  parts,  broken-barred  on 
quills  and  tail-feathers,  regularly 
barred  on  under  parts,  with  wliite 
face  and  paws.  The  face,  throat, 
and  feet  are  usually  whitest.  Bill 
and  claws  black ;  iris  yellow. 
^  nearly  or  about  two  feet  long  ; 
extent  4.50-5.00  feet ;  wing  IG.OO- 
18.00  inches;  tail  9.00-10.00;  cul- 
men  1 .00  without  cere ;  tarsus  2.00 : 
middle  toe  without  claw  1.25.  9 
larger,  often  over  two  feet  long ; 
wing  up  to  19.00,  etc.  She  is 
also  as  a  rule  darker  colored  than 
he  is ;  our  very  large  heavily 
blackened  specimens  are  mostly 
of  the  "'fair"  sex.  This  remark- 
able Owl,  conspicuous  in  size  and  color,  abounds  in  boreal  regions  of  both  Iiemisphores,  far 
within  tlie  Arctic  Circle,  as  near  tlie  North  Pole  even  as  any  explorers  have  gone.  It  is 
capable  of  eniiuring  the  rigors  of  six  month.*;'  niiihts  under  polar  stars,  and  only  comes  south- 
ward irregularly  in  winter,  sometimes  raiding  in  large  numbers.  "With  us,  it  is  of  every 
winter  occurrence  in  the  Northern  and  Middle  States,  sometimes  pushing  its  way  even  to 
the  Carolinas  and  Texas ;  there  being  no  part  of  the  U.  S.  where  it  may  not  appear  at  that 
season.  It  is  far  from  being  exclusively  nocturnal,  but  hunts  abroad  in  the  daytime  as 
readily  as  any  Ilawk,  with  eyes  undimmed  by  the  ghire  of  the  sun  from  boundless  slieets  ttf 
snow,  so  dazzling  and  painful  to  human  vision.  It  jireys  upon  hares,  spermopliiles  and  smaller 
mammals,  especially  lemmings  and  voles,  wiiich  swarm  in  the  sphagnum  »{  hyj)erboroan  tun- 
dras or  barren  grounds,  upnu  Ptannii,Mn,  Uiicks  and  smaller  birds,  .nnl  often   proves  it.^elf  as 


Fio.  437.  —  Siiowv  Owl. 


640  SYSTEMA  TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  RAPTOR ES  —  STRIGES. 

good  a  fisherman  as  it  is  bold  a  fowler.  It  has  never  been  ascertained  to  breed  in  the  U.  S., 
though  it  may  have  done  so  in  Maine,  as  it  certainly  does  a  little  i'arther  north  in  Nova 
Scotia,  New  Brunswick,  Newfoundland,  Labrador,  Manitoba,  and  thence  N.  to  the  Arctic 
Ocean.  The  nest  is  built  upon  the  ground  or  rocks,  of  mosses  lined  with  feathers ;  the  eggs 
are  3  to  10,  usually  5,  6  or  7,  laid  at  intervals  (as  is  the  case  with  various  other  Owls),  so  that 
the  nest  may  contain  fresh  and  incubated  eggs  and  young  birds  at  once ;  they  are  lustreless, 
roughly  granular,  even  faintly  corrugated  lengthwise,  equal-ended,  but  not  much  rounded, 
being  about  2.25  X  1-75.  Only  one  clutch  is  deposited  annually,  mostly  in  May  or  June. 
{Nyctea  nivea  and  N.  scanfZmca  of  authors,  as  of  previous  editions  of  the  Key;  but  our  rules 
require  us  now  to  use  the  inelegant  and  displeasing  tautonym,  Nyctea  nyctea.) 
SUR'NIA.  (Etymology  of  Siirnia  or  Syrniiim,  unknown.  There  is  no  recognized  classic 
Greek  or  Latin  word  from  which  the  name  can  be  derived,  but  I  find  uvpviov,  sttrnion,  cited  by 
Brisson  as  a  modern  Greek  name  of  Strix  stridula,  and  this  is  obviously  the  source  of  both  Stir- 
nia  and  Syrnium.  The  former  dates  in  systematic  zoology  from  Dumeril,  Zool.  Anal.  1806, 
p.  34.)  Hawk  Owls.  Skull  and  ear-parts  much  as  in  Bubo  or  Nyctea  ;  latter  non-operculate, 
the  opening  of  small  size ;  facial  disc  very  little  developed,  and  eyes  not  centric  to  it ;  no  plunii- 
corns.  Wings  folding  far  short  of  end  of  tail  ;  3d  primary  longest;  first  4  emarginate  on  inner 
webs.  Tail  remarkably  long,  little  shorter  than  wing,  much  graduated,  with  lanceolate 
feathers.  Feet  thickly  and  completely  feathered  to  the  claws  ;  tarsus  scarcely  or  not  longer 
than  middle  toe.  Of  medium  size,  with  a  peculiarly  neat  and  dressy  appearance  for  an  Owl, 
the  whole  plumage  being  more  strict  than  in  other  members  of  this  family.  There  is  but 
one  species,  common  to  northern  portions  of  both  hemispheres,  as  Hawk-like  in  habits  as 
in  mien. 

S.  u'lula.  (Lat.  ulula,  a  kind  of  Owl,  so  called  from  its  outcry;  ululare,  to  cry  out,  howl,  as 
with  pain  or  grief.  As  the  name  of  an  Owl,  the  word  goes  back  in  ornithology  to  Gesner,  1555, 
and  still  farther  to  Pliny.  Use  as  a  technical  name,  both  generic  and  specific,  is  of  course  very 
recent :  Strix  ulula  Linn.  1758,  is  the  European  Hawk  Owl ;  Ulula  Cuv.  1817,  is  a  genus  of 
Owls,  which  has  been  variously  used.  Ulula  as  a  Latin  word  is  obviously  onomatopoetic;  com- 
pare Gr.  dXaXd  or  dXaXij,  alala  or  alale,  an  outcry,  dXaXd^cu,  alalazo,  I  cry  out ;  also  oXoXvyij, 
ololuge,  an  outcry;  oXoXuywv,  ololugon,  the  croaking  of  frogs;  oXoXv^w,  ololuzo,  I  call  on  the 
gods ;  compare  also  our  interjection  hallelujah !  which  we  get  from  the  Hebrew  ;  Sanskrit 
uliikas,  an  owl;  English  owl,  owlet,  howlet,  howl,  halloo,  hullo,  hullabaloo,  etc.)  European 
Hawk  Owl.  Lighter  in  color  than  the  American  caparoch  next  described  ;  the  white  mark- 
ings more  prominent  on  the  crown,  cervix  and  scapulars ;  lighter  brown,  narrower  bars  on  the 
under  parts;  dark  markings  of  the  disc  rather  brown  than  blackish.  Size  the  same.  N.  Eu- 
rope and  Asia;  similar  specimens  from  St.  Michael's,  Alaska.  (^S.  funerea  ulula  of  2d-4th 
eds.  of  the  Key:  see  next  article.) 

S.  u.  cap'aroch.  The  word  caparoch,  ajiplied  to  the  American  Hawk  Owl,  as  Strix  caparoch, 
by  P.  L.  S.  Ml'ller,  in  his  Suppl.  to  Lixn.  Syst.  Nat.  177G,  p.  09  (after  Bodd,  Kortb.  1772, 
p.  112),  is  the  same  as  caparacoch  or  coparacoch,  given  in  Brisson,  Orn.  1700,  1,  p.  520,  as  the 
name  applied  by  the  natives  of  Hudson's  Bay  to  this  very  bird,  the  Strix  Freti  Hudsonis  of 
Brisson  (the  Little  Hawk  Owl  of  Edwards,  ii,  pi.  62),  and  also  the  Strix  canadensis 
Briss.  i,  p.  518,  pi.  37,  fig.  2;  which  latter  is  one  of  the  two  bases  of  Strix  funerea  Linn. 
S.  N.  I.  ed.  12,  1766,  p.  133,  No.  11.  Our  bird  has  commonly  been  called  Surnia  funerea  (Linn. 
1760),  as  in  the  2d-4th  eds.  of  the  Key,  1884-90,  p.  511  ;  but  unluckily  Linnaeus  mixed  it  up 
with  the  European  one,  which  he  had  called  Strix  funerea  in  his  Fn.  Suec.  2d  ed.  1761,  p.  75; 
and  furthermore,  his  S.  funerea  of  the  10th  ed.  1758,  p.  93,  No.  7,  is  based  solely  on  the  Eu- 
ropean bird  (Fn.  Suec.  1st  ed.  1746,  p.  51).  Thus  it  appears  that  ulula  Linn.  1758  and  1766, 
belonging  exclusively  to  the  European  form  ;  funerea  Linn.  1758,  exclusively  European  ;  and 
funerea  Linn.  1766,  European  and  American,  ai'e  none  of  them  available  for  our  bird  :  and 


STRIGID.E:   OTHER    OWLS. 


641 


Fio.    I.SS.  —  Anicrii-nii  M.iwk  Dwl. 
41 


642 


SYSTEMA  TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  RAPTORES  —  STRIGES. 


caparoch  Miill.  1776,  comes  next  iu  order  for  the  latter.  See  Auk,  Oct.  1884,  p.  362.  Ataother 
name  for  our  bird  is  Strix  hudsonia  Gm.  1788,  obviously  based  on  Edwards,  as  above;  this  is 
the  origin  of  Surnia  ulula  var.  hitdsonica  Coues,  Key,  orig.  ed.  1872,  p.  205.  Figs.  438,  439.) 
American  Hawk  Owl.  Canadian  or  Hudsonian  Owl.  Day  Owl.  Caparoch.  Bill 
and  eyes  yellow  ;  claws  brownish-black. 
Upper  parts  bistre-brown,  darkest  and 
almost  blackish  on  head,  where  profusely 
spotted  with  small  round  w^hite  marks, 
to  which  succeeds  a  nuchal  interval  less 
spotted  or  free  from  spots,  then  an  area 
of  larger  and  lengthened  spots ;  scapu- 
lars profusely  spotted  with  white  in 
large  pattern,  forming  a  scapular  bar  as 
in  Megascops ;  back  and  wing-coverts 
more  or  less  spotted  Avith  white  also  ; 
primaries  and  secondaries  with  white 
spots  in  pairs  on  opposite  edges  of  the 
feathers.  Tail  broken-barred  with  white 
or  pale  gray,  usually  narrowly  and  dis- 
tinctly, on  one  or  both  webs,  and  tipped 
with  the  same ;  but  there  is  great  indi- 
vidual variation  in  this  respect,  as  may 
also  be  said  of  the  amount  and  charac- 
ter of  the  spotting  of  the  whole  upper 
parts.  Under  parts  from  breast  back- 
ward, including  crissuin,  closely  and 
regularly  cross-barred  with  rich  reddish- 
brown,  or  even  reddish-black,  upon  a 
white  ground,  the  alternating  bars  of 
color  usually  of  about  equal  widths  —  if  anything,  the  white  the  broadest. 


Fig  439  — Hawk  Owl,  reduced      (Sheppard  del.     Nichols  sc  ) 


The  lining  of  the 

wings  shares  the  same  character,  but  is  more  spotty ;  the  paws  are  mottled  with  brown  and 
whitish,  in  different  pattern.  On  the  breast  the  regular  barring  gives  way,  the  tendency  being 
to  form  a  dark  pectoral  band  on  a  white  or  spotted  ground,  but  this  disposition  is  seldom  per- 
fected. Facial  disc  mostly  whitish,  bounded  by  a  conspicuous  blackish  crescent  behind  ear. 
When  the  dark  nuchal  collar  is  perfected,  a  second  bar  curves  down  behind  the  first  on  side 
of  neck,  separated  by  a  whitish  interval ;  edges  of  eyelids,  many  of  the  loral  bristles,  a  line 
just  in  front  of  eye,  and  a  chin-spot,  are  black  or  dusky  ;  the  lower  part  of  disc  below  ears 
has  also  dusky  streaks.  Exposed  part  of  bill  bright  yellow,  but  most  of  that  hidden  by  bris- 
tles is  of  a  dark  livid  color.  However  variable  in  detail,  the  markings  of  this  species  are 
unmistakable;  those  about  the  head  are  better  defined  than  in  most  Owls,  and  quite  peculiar. 
Length  15.00  or  more;  extent  33.00  ;  wing  about  9.00  ;  tail  about  7.00  ;  tarsus,  or  middle  toe 
without  claw,  1.00  or  less;  culmen  without  cere  0.75.  A  handsome  and  spirited  Owl,  abun- 
dant in  northern  portions  of  N.  Am.,  S.  into  northern  U.  S.  in  winter,  frequently  and  regularly  ; 
is  possibly  resident  in  Maine  and  in  the  mountains  of  Montana  and  Idaho ;  also  accredited  to 
Great  Britain,  on  the  strength  of  the  dark  coloration  of  some  British  specimens.  Like  the 
Snowy  Owl,  it  endures  the  rigors  of  Arctic  winters.  Nest  usually  in  trees,  either  in  a  natural 
hollow  or  among  the  thick  branches  of  a  conifer,  sometimes  on  rocks  or  stumps,  of  sticks, 
mosses,  grasses,  and  feathers;  eggs  3-7,  April,  May,  about  1.55  X  L25,  white.  The  food 
of  this  bird  is  chiefly  field-mice,  lemmings,  and  other  small  rodents,  hawked  for  in  broad  day- 
light, this  owl  being  the  least  nocturnal  of  its  tribe. 


STRIGID.^:    OTHER    OWLS.  643 

GLAUCI'DIUM.  (Gr.  yXavKibiov,  glaukidion,  dimin.  of  yXamos  or  yXavKos,  glankos,  gleam- 
iii<r  or  glaring,  as  an  Owl's  eyes  are;  hence  yXav^,  glnux,  au  Owl.  Cf.  the  well-known  epithet, 
yXavKcoTTis  'AdrjVTj,  (jlaucopis  Athene,  gleaming-eyed  Athena,  Pallas,  or  Minerva,  goddess  of  war 
and  wisdom,  to  whom  the  y\av^  was  sacred.)  Gnome  Owls.  Sparrow  Owls.  Pygmy 
Owls.  Size  very  small.  Head  perfectly  smooth ;  no  plumicorus ;  ear-parts  small,  non- 
operculate ;  facial  disc  very  incomplete ;  eye  not  centric.  Nostrils  circular,  opening  in  the 
tumid  cere;  bill  robust.  Tarsus  fully  and  closely  feathered,  but  toes  only  bristly  for  the  most 
part.  Wings  short  and  much  rounded;  4th  primary  longest,  1st  quite  short,  3  outer  ones 
emargiuate,  next  1  or  2  sinuate.  Tail  long,  about  f  as  long  as  wing,  even  or  nearly  so. 
Claws  strong,  much  curved.  A  large  genus  of  very  small  Owls,  mostly  of  tropical  countries. 
The  numerous  species,  chiefly  of  warm  parts  of  America,  are  in  dire  confusion,  but  those  known 
to  inhabit  North  America  are  now  well  determined.  The  plumage  of  many  or  most  species  is 
dichromatic,  as  in  Scops,  there  being  a  red  and  a  gray  phase  independently  of  age,  season,  or 
sex;  but  the  red  is  not  known  to  occur  in  our  G.  gnoma.  The  upper  parts  are  marked  with 
spots  or  lines ;  bars,  or  rows  of  spots,  cross  wings  and  tail ;  under  parts  streaked ;  a  cervical 
collar.  Notwithstanding  their  slight  stature,  the  Gnome  Owls  are  bold  and  predaceous,  some- 
times attacking  birds  quite  as  large  as  themselves.  They  are  not  specially  nocturnal.  The 
eggs  are  laid  in  holes  in  trees.  « 

Analysis  of  Species. 

Markings  of  upper  parts  in  dots  and  round  spots.    Tail  dark  brown,  with  rows  of  white  spots gnoma 

Markings  of  upper  parts  in  sharp  lines.     Tail  reddish,  with  dark  brown  bars phaloenoides 

G.  gno'ina.  (Lat.  gnoma,  a  spirit  of  the  mines.)  Gnome  Owl.  Pygmy  Owl.  Adult  $  ^  : 
Tail  concolor  with  back,  and  markings  of  upper  parts,  as  well  as  those  crossing  wings  and 
tail,  in  form  of  dots  or  round  spots,  not  lines  or  bars.  Upper  parts  one  shade  of  dark  brown, 
everywhere  dotted  with  small  circular  spots  of  white;  a  collar  of  mixed  blackish -bi-own  and 
white  around  back  of  neck  ;  breast  with  a  band  of  mottled  brown,  separating  the  white  throat 
from  white  of  rest  of  under  part.'^,  which  have  irregular  lengthwise  streaks  of  reddish -brown. 
Wings  and  tail  dusky-brown,  the  feathers  marked  on  both  webs  with  rows  of  round  white 
spots,  largest  on  the  inner;  under  wing-coverts  white,  crossed  obliquely  by  a  blackish  bar. 
Bill,  cere,  and  feet  dull  greenish-yellow;  soles  chrome-yellow;  claws  black  ;  iris  bright  yel- 
low; mouth  livid  flesh-color.  Length  of  ^  7.00  or  a  little  less;  extent  14.50;  wing  3.75; 
tail  3.00.  Length  of  9  ~-'^^^  >  extent  15.50,  etc.  In  9  the  upper  parts  are  rather  lighter, 
with  fewer  larger  spots,  and  a  nearly  obsolete  nuchal  collar  ;  but  both  sexes  vary  in  the  tint 
of  the  upper  parts,  which  ranges  from  pure  deep  brown  to  pale  grayish,  almost  olivaceous, 
brown,  probably  according  to  age  and  season,  the  newer  feathers  being  darker  than  they  are 
when  old  and  worn.  Erytlirism,  so  well  known  in  phal(rnoides,  has  not  been  observed  in 
the  jtroscnt  one,  which  is  closely  related  to  the  Sparrow  Owl  of  Europe  ((?.  passerinum). 
Kocky  Mts.  and  others  of  Western  N.  Am.  from  British  Columbia  S.  to  the  tablelands  of 
Mexico,  common  in  wooded  regions  ;  an  interesting  little  owl,  crepuscular  and  rather  diurnal 
than  strictly  nocturnal,  preying  chiefly  upon  insects,  but  also  upon  birds  and  quadrupeds  some- 
times about  as  large  as  itself,  as  Robins,  Grosbeaks,  Towhees,  Chipmunks,  Gophers,  etc.  The 
liird  is  usually  found  in  coniferous  forests,  has  low  cooing  notes,  and  nests  in  holes  of  trees  or 
stumps,  mostly  those  made  by  Woodpeckers ;  eggs  3-4,  1.02  X  0.01,  white  or  whitish,  mi- 
nutely punctulate,  laid  in  May  or  early  June. 

G.  g.  californ'icum.  (Lat.  Californian.)  CalifoRN'IAN  Gnome  Owl.  CALIFORNIA 
Pygmy  Owl.  Like  the  last  ;  darker  colored.  The  Pacitic  coast  form  of  the  foregniui;, 
occurring  in  California,  Oregon,  Washington,  and  Ikitish  Columbia.  G.  pnssn-i)iiim  var. 
cnlifornicum  of  the  Key,  orig.  ed.  1H72,  jt.  2(M!,  which  is  G-  gnoma  of  the  2d  and  3d  eds.  l!!'H4 
and  1887,  p.  514,  includes  this  subspecies.  The  two  forms  were  not  then  discriminated,  and 
their  ref(rf'nc(>  to  their  Ennijiran  relative  was  erroneous.     The  present  subspecies  is  G.  califor- 


644 


SYSTEMA  TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  RAPTORES—  STRIGES. 


nicum  Sclater,  P.  Z.  S.  1857;  G.  gnoma  caUfornimm  A.  0.  U.  Committee's  List.  1st  Suppl., 
1889,  p.  9 ;  CouES,  Key,  4th  ed.  1890,  p.  904  ;  A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  379  a. 
G.  hos'kinsi.  (To  Frauds  Hoskins,  of  Triunfo,  L.  Gala.)  Hoskins'  PvaMY  Owl.  Simi- 
lar to  the  preceding,  but  smaller  and  grayer  ;  upper  parts  less  distinctly  spotted  ;  forehead  and 
facial  disc  with  more  white.  Wing  3.30 ;  tail  2.50 ;  tarsus  0.75  ;  chord  of  eulmen  0.50.  Lower 
California.  G.  gnoma  hoskinsii  Brewster,  Auk,  April,  1888,  p.  136,  accorded  specific  rank 
by  its  describer  with  approval  of  the  A.  0.  U.  Committee,  in  1st  Suppl.  1889,  p.  9;  Coues, 
Key,  4th  ed.  1890,  p.  904 ;  A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  379.1.  I  have  inspected  the  type 
specimens,  which  appear  to  be  those  of  a  distinct  species. 

G.  phalccnoi'des.     (Gr.  (pdXaiva, phalaina,  Ijat. phalcena,  a  moth,  and  el8os,  eidos,  form,  figure, 
appearance;  from  the  resemblance  of  the  plumage  in  coloration  to  that  of  certain  moths.     Fig. 
440.)     Ferruginous   Pygmy  Owl.     Adult  ^   9,  normal  plumage :    Tail  entirely  ferrugi- 
nous, or  light  chestnut-red,  crossed 
with  7  to  9  bars  of  blackish-brown, 
of  same  width  as  the  rufous  inter- 
spaces, both  sets  of  markings  quite 
regular.     (These  tail-marks  distin- 
guish the  species  in  any  plumage 
from    G.   gnoma.)       Entire   top   of 
head,  above  superciliary  ridges,  and 
sides  of  head  behind  auriculars,  oli- 
vaceous-brown, streaked  with  small 
distinct  lines  of  white  or  fulvous- 
whitish  ;    these  markings  being  on 
forehead  and  most  of  crown  like  pin- 
scratches    in    their    sharpness,    and 
though  a  little  less  so  behind  ears, 
everywhere  retaining  their   narrow 
linear  character.     (In  G.  gnoma,  the 
head-markings  are  dots  and   spots, 
nut  lines.)     Back  like  head,  oliva- 
ceous-brown, but  without  markings, 
except  on  scapulars,  most  of  which 
have  a  large  round  white   spot  on 
outer  web  near  end,  and   more   or 
fewer  pairs  of  fulvous  spots  on  both 
webs.     Color  of  back  and  head  di- 
vided by  an  obvious  cervical  collar, 

Fig.  440.  -  Ferruginous  Owl.     (From  The  Osprey.)  consisting  of  a  series  of  diffuse  whit- 

ish,  and  another  of  fulvous,  spots,  separated  by  a  nearly  continuous  line  of  black.  Upper  tail- 
coverts  usually  more  or  less  rufescent,  approximating  to  color  of  tail.  Remiges  olivaceous- 
fuscous,  like  back ;  primaries  imperfectly  and  indistinctly,  secondaries  completely  and  decidedly, 
cross-barred  with  numerous  rufescent  bands,  narrower  than  the  dark  intervals ;  besides  which 
markings  some  of  the  primaries  have  an  incompleted  series  of  small  whitish  or  very  pale  ful- 
vous spots  along  outer  edge,  and  all  have  large  and  deep  indentations  of  white  or  whitish  along 
inner  web,  increasing  in  size  from  the  ends  toward  the  bases  of  all  the  feathers,  and  also  on 
individual  feathers  from  outer  primaries  to  inner  secondaries,  on  which  last  tliey  reach  quite 
across  inner  webs.  Lining  of  wings  white,  with  an  oblique  dark  bar,  and  another  curved  dark 
bar,  latter  across  ends  of  under  coverts.  Under  parts  white,  heavily  streaked  along  sides  with 
color  of  back  ;  this  color  extending  quite  across  breast,  wliere,  however,  the  feathers  have  di- 


STRIGID.E:   OTHER   OWLS.  645 

lated  shaft-lines  of  whitish  ;  chin  and  throat  white,  divided  into  two  areas  by  a  blackish  or 
dark  gular  C(jllar,  which  curves  across  from  one  post-auricular  region  to  the  other.  The  mark- 
ings all  diffuse.  Auriculars  dark,  sharply  scratched  with  white  snaft-liues,  bounded  below  by 
pure  white.  Eyebrows  white,  pretty  definitely  bounded  above  by  color  of  crown.  Region  im- 
mediately about  the  bill  whitish,  but  mixed  with  long,  heavy,  black  bristles  that  project  far 
beyond  bill,  which  latter  is  greenish  at  base,  growing  dull  yellowish  at  end ;  sparsely-haired 
toes  somewhat  like  bill;  claws  brownish-black;  iris  lemon-yellow.  Length  of  ^  about  (i. .50; 
extent  14.50;  wing  3.50;  tail  2. .50;  tarsus  0.75:  middle  toe  without  claw  about  the  same, 
its  claw  0.40.  9  larger:  length  7.00  or  more;  wing  4.00;  tail  nearly  3.00.  Red  phase : 
Entire  upper  parts  deep  rufous-red,  with  lighter  markings  of  head,  etc.,  obsolete  or  obliterated; 
tail  the  same,  with  dark  bars  scarcely  traceable.  Dark  cervical  collar,  however,  conspicuous. 
White  of  under  parts  tinged  with  yellowish  or  fulvous  ;  markings  of  under  parts  similar  in 
color  to  ground  of  upper  parts,  but  duller  and  paler ;  tibiae  rufous,  without  markings.  Gular 
collar  blackish.  Various  intermediate  stages  have  been  observed,  and  the  species  is  to  be  found 
in  every  degree  of  transition,  from  the  slightest  departure  from  the  normal  state  to  completely 
erythritic  condition.  These  color-conditions  are  common  to  both  sexes.  In  extreme  cases,  the 
rufous  becomes  intense  and  almost  uniform,  a  light  rufous  replacing  even  the  white  of  under 
parts,  and  there  being  no  traces  left  of  bars  on  wings  or  tail.  Texas  to  Arizona  and  Southern 
California,  and  soutliward.  Habits  like  those  of  the  Gnome  Owl;  eggs  of  the  same  size  and 
shape,  granulated,  3-4  in  number,  laid  in  holes  in  trees,  April,  May.  G.  ferrugineum  of  all  pre- 
vious editions  of  the  Key,  1872-1890,  as  I  hesitated  to  make  any  change  of  nomenclature  in  a 
case  the  synonymy  of  which  was  so  extensive  and  intricate;  but  the  species  is  now  identified 
with  the  old  Strix  plialcEnoides  of  Daudin's  Traite,  ii,  1800,  p.  lOG;  Glaucidium  2)halcBnoides 
Cabanis,  J.  f.  0.  18(i9,  p.  208 ;  A.  O.  U.  Lists,  1st  and  2d  eds.  1880-95,  No.  380. 
MICRO'PALLAS.  (Gr.  fiiKpos,  mikros,  small  ;  IlaXXdf,  Pallas,  goddess  of  wisdom,  to  whom 
the  Uwl  was  sacred.)  Elf  Owls.  Kelated  to  Glaucidium  ;  of  very  diminutive  size,  including 
the  smallest  known  species  of  Owl,  and  one  of  the  least  of  all  raptorial  birds.  Head  perfectly 
smooth ;  no  plumicorns  ;  ear-parts  small,  uon-operculate  ;  facial  disc  incomplete,  with  eye  not 
centric.  Nostril  circular,  opening  in  tumid  cere.  Tarsi  scarcely  feathered  below  sufFrago, 
being  almost  entirely  naked  and  bristly,  like  the  toes;  this  is  as  in  Speotijto,  though  other 
characters  are  quite  different.  Claws  remarkably  small  and  weak  ;  middle  toe  and  claw  about 
as  long  as  tarsus  ;  outer  claw  reaching  a  little  beyond  base  of  middle  claw ;  inner  intermediate 
lietween  middle  and  outer.  Wings  very  long,  rather  more  than  |  the  total  length  of  the  bird, 
l>ut  much  rounded  ;  1st  primary  only  f  as  long  as  longest  one  ;  3d  and  4th  longest,  5th  but 
little  shorter,  2d  about  equal  to  ()th  ;  outer  4  sinuate  on  inner  webs.  Tail  of  moderate  length, 
^  as  long  as  wing,  the  feathers  not  graduated,  broad  to  their  very  tips.  Bill  small  and  weak, 
compressed  at  base,  where  hidden  in  dense  antrorse  bristly  feathers ;  culmen  and  gonys  only 
moderately  convex ;  lower  mandible  obsoletely  notched.  One  species  known.  Genus  3//- 
crathene  Coues,  1866,  and  lst-3d  eds.  of  the  Key,  1872-87;  name  changed  to  Micropallas 
CouES,  Auk,  Jan.  1889,  p.  71,  and  Key,  4th  ed.  1890,  p.  904,  the  generic  name  originally 
bestowed  being  antedated  by  Micrathena  of  Sundevall,  a  genus  of  arachnidans. 
M.  Avhit'neyi.  (To  Prof.  J.  1).  Whitney.)  Elf  Owl.  Adult  ^  :  Above,  light  umber- 
brown,  thickly  marked  with  irregular  angular  ]>ale  brownisli  dots,  one  on  every  feather,  and 
inintitcly  unduhitfd  witli  lii,'lit(r  and  darker  color.  A  concealed  white  cervical  collar,  this  color 
occu|)ying  the  middle  of  the  feathers,  which  are  brown  at  end  and  pluml)eous  at  ba.^e.  A  white 
sca])uiar  stripe  ;  outer  webs  of  scapulars  almost  entirely  of  this  color.  Wings  like  back  ;  lesser 
coverts  with  two  pale  brownish  spots  on  each  feather;  middle  and  greater  coverts  boldly  spotted 
with  white  at  end  of  outer  web  of  each  feather,  and  with  pale  brown  spots  near  end.  Onills 
with  3  to  6  pale  brown  spots  on  each  web,  forming  broken  bars,  mostly  passing  to  white  on 
edire  of  the  feathers,  those  on  a  few  intermediate  primaries  almost   white.     Tail-feathers  like 


646 


SYSTEMA TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  RAPTORES  —  STRIGES. 


wing-quills,  with  5  broken  bars  and  one  terminal,  of  pale  brownish,  whitening  on  inner  webs. 
Lining  of  wings  white,  interrupted  with  dark  brown.  Face  and  region  about  eye  white,  below 
it  barred  with  light  and  dark  brown  ;  bristles  at  base  of  bill  black  on  terminal  half.  Chin  and 
throat  white,  forming  a  broad  mark  from  side  to  side.  General  color  of  under  parts  whitish  ; 
breast  blotched  and  imperfectly  barred  with  brown,  forming  toward  abdomen  large  patches, 
sides  more  grayish,  Hanks  plumbeous,  tibiae  narrowly  barred  with  light  brown  and  dusky. 
Tarsal  bristles  whitish ;  those  of  toes  yellowish  ;  bill  pale  greenish  ;  iris  bright  yellow.    Length 

5.75-6.25;   extent   14.25- 


^v 


Fig.  441.  —  Bills  and  feet  of  Speotyto,  nat.  size. 
S.  floridana.     (Ad.  nat.  del.  R.  R.) 


Lower,  S.  hnpogrea ;  upper, 


15.25;  wing  4.25-4.50; 
tail  2.00-2.25;  tarsus  0.80- 
0.90.  Southern  and  Lower 
California,  Arizona,  New 
Mexico,  southern  Texas, 
and  S.  through  most  of 
Mexico ;  a  very  curious 
little  Owl,  whose  general 
habits,  nesting,  and  food 
are  similar  to  those  of  the 
Gnome  Owls ;  but  it  ap- 
pears to  be  more  noctur- 
nal, and  feeds  more  exclu- 
sively on  insects.  It  .is 
common  in  the  giant  cac- 
tus region,  and  nests  usu- 
ally in  the  Woodpecker 
holes     of     those     strange 


forms  of  arborescence ;  eggs  2-5,  oftenest  3  or  4,  1.02  X  0.92,  thus  very  rounded,  pure  white^ 
minutely  granular,  laid  in  May  and  June. 

SPEO'TYTO.  (Gr.  o-Treo?,  speos^  a  cave ;  tuto),  txdo^  a  kind  of  Owl.)  Burrowing  Owls. 
Of  medium  and  rather  small  size.  Head  smooth  ;  no  plumicorns  ;  ear-parts  small,  iion-oper- 
culate ;  facial  disc  incom- 
plete. Nostril  opening  in 
the  tumid  cere.  Wings  ot 
moderate  length  ;  2d  to 
4th  quills  longest ;  1st 
about  equal  to  5th;  2  or 
3  sinuate  on  inner  webs 
near  end.  Tail  very  shoit, 
only  about  half  as  long  as 
wing,  even  or  scarcely 
rounded.  Tarsi  extremely 
long ;  about  twice  as  long 
as  middle  toe  without  its 
claw,  very  scant-feathered 
in  front,  bare  behind ;  toes 

bristly.        The    long    slim 

1  -^  ^^        /-£  Fig.  442. — Burrowing  Owl,  reduced.     (Sheppard  del.     Nichols  sc.) 

legs  are  quite  peculiar  (hg.  "  e        > 

441),  in  comparison  with  any  other  N.  Am.  Owls,  though  the  bareness  of  the  feet  is  shared 
to  a  greater  or  less  extent  by  the  Antillean  genus  Gymnasia,  the  Old  World  Ninox,  and  somfr 
other  genera.     Speotyto  is  a  genus  confined  to  America,  where  there  are  several  subspecies. 


> 


STRIGID.E:    OTHER    OWLS. 


647 


of  one  or  two   species,  of  diurnal   and   terrestrial  habits,   noted  for  inliahitincr  underirround 
burrows. 

S.  cunieula'ria  hypogae'a.     (Lat.   cuniciilaria,   a  bnrrower;  Gr.  vnoyfioi,  hupogeios,  under- 
ground.    Fig.  442.)     Burrowing  UwL.     Adult  J*  ?:  Above,  dull  grayish-brown,  profusely 
spotted  with  whitish ;  the  markings  mostly  rounded  and  paired  on  each  feather,  but  anteriorly 
lengthened.     Quills  with  4  to  6  whitish  bars,  entire  or  broken  into  cross-rows  of  spots ;  tail- 
feathers    similarly    marked.      There    is 
much  individual  variation  in  the  tone  of 
the  ground-coll ir,  and  size  and  number  of 
spots,  which  may  also  be  rather  ochrey 
than   whitish.     Superciliary  line,  cliin, 
and  throat  white,  the  two  latter  separated 
by  a  dark  brown  jugular  collar  ;  auricu- 
lars  brown  ;  facial  bristles  black-shafted. 
Under  i)arts  white  or  pale  ochrey ;  breast, 
belly,  and  sides  barred  with  transverse 
spots  ot  brown,  in  a  pretty  regular  man- 
ner ;    legs   and    under   tail-coverts   un- 
marked.    Lining  of  wings  tawny-white, 
dusky-spotted  on  primary  coverts.   Sexes 
indistinguishable  in  size  or  color :  Length 
9.50  ;    extent  23.00  ;    wing  6.50-7.00  ; 
tail  3.00-3.25;  tarsus  L50-1.75;  mid- 
dle  toe   without  claw  0.80 ;    chord    of 
culmen  without  cere  0.50-0.00.     Young 
differ   in  mucli   less    spotting,   or   even 
uniformity,    of    the    body   above,    and 
whitish  under  parts,  excepting  the  jugu- 
lar collar;  wing-  anil  tail-coverts  largely 
white.     A  remarkable  Owl,  abounding 
in  suitable  places  in  Western  X.  Am., 
from  the  Plains  to  the  Pacific,  in  tree- 
less regions  inhabited  by  "  prairie-dogs  " 
(Cynomys  liidovicianus,  etc.)  and  other 
burrowing  rodents,  such  as  SpermopM- 
lus    richanhoni  \\\  the   north,   and    S. 
hcecheyi  in    California.     I    have    found 
colonies   in    Kansas,   Nel)raska,  Wyo- 
ming, N.  and  S.  Dakota,  Montana  N. 
to   4!l°,    Colorado,    New    Mexico,    and 
California,  in  all  cases  occupying  the  deserted  burrows  <if  tlie  (|uadru|ieil.s.  in)t  living  in  common 
with   them  as  usually  supposed  ;  others  have  fouud  these  Owls  burrowing  in  the  rest  of  our 
Western  States  and  Territories,  in  western  Minnesota,  and  British  ('oluml>ia.     They  no  doubt 
occur  also  in  portions  of  Alberta,  Assiniboia,  and  Manitoba;  stray  individuals  have  been  taken 
in  New  York  city  and  Massachusetts,  and  the  species  extends  S.  to  Guatemala.    Besides  prairie- 
dog  holes  the  birds  also  occupy  the  holes  made  l>y  badgers,  skunks,  and  foxes.     The  eggs  are 
laid  from  5  or  G  to  10  feet  from  the  entrance  of  the  burrow  in  an  enlarged  chamber  at  the  end 
of  tlie  variously  curved  or  cnxdvcd  passage-way,  upon  a  mass  of  miscellaneous  materials,  often 
including  dried  dung  and  feathers,  and  infested  with  Heas ;  they  vary  in  number  from  0  t<>  II. 
being  oltenest  7,  8,  or 'J  ;  are  wliite,  subspherieal.  I.:{(l  X  I  l<»  to    |.|(l  y  (».!)S,  averaging:    1.2.') 


Hiirrouiiig  Owl. 


648 


SYSTEM  A  TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  RAPTORES  —  ACCIPITRES. 


X  100;  they  are  laid  from  April  to  July.  The  bird's  food  is  chiefly  insects,  small  reptiles, 
and  quadrupeds,  birds  being  apparently  rarely  taken.  It  is  easily  able  to  prey  upon  mammals 
up  to  the  size  of  gophers,  cliipmunks,  and  even  rabbits,  and  habitually  does  so  upon  the  young 
at  least  of  the  various  rodents,  formerly  supposed  to  be  its  hosts,  with  which  it  associates,  thus 
being  by  no  means  the  friendly  and  welcome  guest  of  those  fairy-tales  I  was  among  the  first  t(» 
discredit.  As  a  whole,  the  species  is  resident,  being  able  to  endure  extremely  cold  weather ;  but 
migration  is  of  regular  occurrence  in  some  regions. 

S.  c.  florid'ana.  (Of  Florida.  Fig.  44.3.)  Florida  Burrowing  Owl.  Like  the  last ; 
rather  smaller;  wing  6.00-t)..)0;  tail  3.00;  shanks  more  extensively  denuded,  only  feathered 
about  half-way  down  in  front ;  feet  and  bill  relatively  longer.  Upper  parts  darker,  rather 
bistre-brown,  more  profusely  and  confusedly  spotted  with  smaller  and  whiter  marks  ;  under 
parts  more  heavily  and  regularly  barred  with  darker  brown.  Florida  ;  an  isolated  local  race, 
small  colonies  of  which  are  common  in  suitable  open  places  in  various  parts  of  the  State  ;  it 
is  also  ascribed  to  the  Bahamas.  But  the  Burrowing  Owls  of  some  other  Antillean  islands 
are  a  ditterent  species  or  subspecies  {quadeloupensis) .  The  burrows  are  excavated  by  the  birds 
themselves  to  the  extent  of  3  to  8  feet  or  more,  generally  quite  near  the  surface  of  the  ground; 
eggs  indistinguishable  from  those  of  hypogcea,  but  only  4-8,  usually  6,  laid  March-May. 

Suborder  ACCIPITRES  :   Diurnal  Birds  of  Prey. 

This  large  group,  comprising  the  great  majority  of  Raptores,  may  be  most  readily  defined 
by  exclusion  of  the  particular  characters  of  other  suborders.  There  is  nothing  of  the  grallato- 
rial  analogy  shown  by  the  singular  Gypogeranides.  The  nostrils  are  not  completely  pervious, 
nor  is  the  hallux  elevated,  as  in  Catliartides ;  while  other  peculiarities  of  American  Vultures 
are  wanting.  Comparing  Accipitres  with  Striges,  we  miss  the  peculiar  physiognomy  of  Owls, 
the  eyes  looking  laterally  as  in  ordinary  birds,  and  the  facial  disc  being  absent  (rudimentary  in 


Fig.  444.  —  Shoulder-joint  of  Accipitres ;  after  Ridgway.  a,  anterior  end  of  coracoid ;  6,  upper  end  of  clavicle; 
c,  scapular  process  of  coracoid,  reaching  b  in  the  middle  fig.  (Falco  peregrinus),  but  not  iu  the  left-liand  fig.  (Buteo 
hore(iUs),  nor  in  the  right-hand  fig.  {Pandion  haliaetus) ;  d,  lower  end  of  scapula.  The  figs.  nat.  size,  left  side,  viewed 
from  opposite  side. 

CirciiKc) ;  aftershafts  are  usually  present ;  the  outer  toe  is  not  shorter  than  inner  one,  nor  versa- 
tile (except  Pandionida').  The  external  ears  are  moderate  and  non-operculate.  The  eye  is 
usually  sunken  beneath  a  much  projecting  superciliary  shield,  conferving  a  decided  and  threat- 
ening gaze.  The  bill  shows  the  raptorial  type  perfectly,  and  is  always  provided  with  a  cere 
in  which  (not  at  its  edge  as  in  most  Owls)  the  nostrils  open;  the  cutting  edges  are  usually 
lobed,  or  toothed  (see  any  figs.).  The  lores,  with  occasional  exceptions,  due  to  nakedness  or 
dense  soft  featherings,  are  scantily  clothed  with  radiating  bristly  feathers,  which,  however,  do 
not  form,  as  usual  in  Owls,  a  dense  appressed  ruff  hiding  base  of  bill.  Wings  of  10  primaries, 
and  tail  of  12  rectrices  (with  rare  exceptions) ;  both  extremely  vai-iable  in  shape  and  relative 


FALCONID.E:    VULTURES,   FALCONS,   HAWKS,   ETC.  649 

and  absolute  lengths.  The  feet  are  usually  strong  and  efficient  instruments  of  prehension  and 
weapons  of  offence  or  defence,  with  widely  separable  and  strongly  contractile  toes,  cleft  to  the 
base  or  there  only  united  by  small  movable  webs,  and  generally  scabrous  underneath  with 
wart-like  pads  or  tylari  to  prevent  slipping,  as  shown  in  fig.  46.  The  claws  are  developed 
into  large  sharp  curved  talons.  The  tarsal  envelop  (podotheca)  varies ;  sometimes  the  whole 
tarsus  is  feathered,  and  it  is  usually  so  in  part ;  the  horny  covering  takes  the  form  of  scutella, 
or  reticulations,  or  rugous  granulations,  and  is  occasionally  fused.  The  capacious  gullet  dilates 
into  a  crop ;  gizzard  moderately  muscular ;  coeca  extremely  small ;  oil-gland  tufted;  syrinx  of 
ordinary  broncho-tracheal  form ;  ambiens  and  femorocaudal  muscles  are  present ;  accessory  femo- 
rocaudal,  semitendinosus,  and  its  accessory  are  absent.  There  are  good  osteological  characters  : 
Phalanges  of  hind  toe  are  more  than  half  as  long  as  those  of  outer  toe ;  basal  joint  of  middle  or 
outer  toe  is  longer  than  next  one.  No  basipterygoid  processes.  Sternum  manubriated,  and 
when  not  entire  behind  is  single-notched  or  fenestrate  on  each  side  (doubly  so  in  most  Ov.-ls). 
Huxley  has  called  attention  to  a  character  of  the  shoulder-girdle,  afterward  well  elaborated  by 
others  (fig.  444) :  In  certain  genera,  as  Falco,  Micrastur,  Herpetotheres,  and  in  PolyhorincB, 
tlie  scapular  process  of  the  coracoid  (fig.  444,  c)  is  prolonged  beneath  the  scapula,  d,  to  meet 
the  clavicle,  h;  which  is  not  the  case  in  other  groups  of  genera  of  Falconidce,  nor  iu  Pandi- 
onidce.  This  distinction  has  been  made  the  basis  of  a  primary  division  of  diurnal  Aceipitres 
into  two  subfamilies,  Falconince  and  Buteonince,  the  former  including  Polyhorus  and  its  allies, 
the  latter  including  Pandion;  but  some  modificatitm  of  this  scheme  is  advisable,  I  think.  It 
seems  to  me  that  the  primary  divisi(»n  should  be  made  as  on  p.  619,  by  excluding  PandionidcB 
as  a  family  distinct  from  Falconidce  proper,  on  ground  of  its  many  peculiarities.  This  being 
done,  the  character  of  the  shoulder-joint  may  properly  be  considered  in  dividing  i^aZconjVZfC  into 
subfamilies.  I  am  perfectly  willing  to  approximate  Polyhorus  to  Falco  on  this  technical  arround, 
notwith.standing  the  great  outward  dissimilarity  of  these  two  forms  ;  but  it  is  unlikely  that  or- 
nithologists will  allow  the  construction  of  the  shoulder-joint  to  outweigh  all  other  characters 
combined.  The  feet  are  sympelmous,  but  in  two  different  ways  iu  the  two  families,  Falconidce 
and  Pandioyiidce. 

Diurnal  Birds  of  Prey  abound  in  all  j^arts  of  the  world,  holding  the  relation  to  the  rest  of 
their  class  that  carnivorous  beasts  do  to  other  mammals.  With  many  exceptions,  the  sexes 
are  alike  in  color,  but  the  9  ^s  almost  invariably  larger  than  the  ^.  Changes  of  plumage 
with  age  are  great,  and  render  determination  of  species  perplexing  —  the  more  so  since  purely 
individual,  and  somewhat  climatic,  color-variations,  and  such  special  conditions  as  melanism, 
are  very  frequent.  Modes  of  nesting  are  various ;  the  eggs  as  a  rule  are  blotched,  and  not  so 
nearly  spherical  as  those  of  Owls.  The  food  is  exclusively  of  an  animal  nature,  thougli  end- 
lessly varied;  refuse  of  the  stomach  is  ejected  in  a  pellet  by  the  mouth.  The  voice  is  loud  and 
harsh.  As  a  rule,  Birds  of  Prey  are  not  strictly  migratory,  though  many  of  them  change  their 
abode  with  much  regularity.  Their  mode  of  life  renders  them  usually  non-gregarious,  except- 
ing, however.  Vultures  and  vulture-like  Hawks,  which  congregate  where  carrion  is  plentiful, 
([iiite  like  American  Cathartides.  There  are  upward  of  3.50  species  or  good  geoorraphic.il  races, 
referable  to  about  75  genera,  and  divisible  into  two  families  —  Falconidce  and  Pa)idionid(C. 


Family   FALCONID^  :    Vultures.  Falcons.  Hawks,  Eagles,  etc. 

Characters  as  above,  exclusive  of  those  markini:  the  Fi^<h-hawl;s,  Pandionidcp,  beyond. 
No  unexceptionable  division  of  the  family  liavin<:  been  proposed,  and  the  subfamilies  being  still 
at  i.ssue,  it  may  be  best  not  to  materially  modify  the  arramrt'inent  presented  in  the  earliest  edi- 
tion of  this  work,  further  thau  to  separate  Pandiunidcc  from  Falcouidtr  proper,  as  was  done  iu 
tlje  2d  edition. 


650 


SYSTEMA  TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  RAPTORES  —  A  CCIPITRES. 


Old  World  Vultures  form  a  group  somewhat  apart  from  the  rest  in  many  points  of  super- 
ficial structure  and  habits,  though  so  cdosely  correspondent  with  ordinary  Falconidce,  and  espe- 
cially witli  Buteonince,  in  all  essential  respects,  that  they  can  form  at  m(jst  a  subfiimily  Vulturince 
(fig.  445).  They  have  nothing  to  do  with  American  Vultures  (suborder  Cathartides),  with 
which  they  used  to  be  wrongly  united  in  a  family  Vulturidce.     They  are  a  small  group  of  some 

— ^      — ^     9  genera  and  about  20  spe- 


cies, mainly  subsisting  upon 
carrion ;  the  most  decidedly 
raptorial  is  the  Bearded  Grif- 
fin, Gypa'etus  barbatus  ; 
other  characteristically  "  vul- 
turine"  forms  heing  Vultur 
nionachus,  Pseudogyps  ben- 
galensis,  Otogyjis  auricularis, 
Lophogyps  occipitalis,  Gyps 
fulvus,  Gypiscus  pileatus, 
Neophron  percnopterus,  and 
Gypohierax  angolensis ;  of 
these,  some  authors  make  the 
genera  Gypa'etus  and  Gypo- 
liierax,  respectively,  types  of 
two  other  subfamilies,  Gypae- 
tince  and  GypohieracincB. 

The  South  American 
genera,  Micrastur  and  Her- 
2)etotheres,  are  each  described 
as  being  so  peculiar  as  to 
form  a  group  of  supergeneric 
value,  comparable  with  those 
termed  subfamiUes  in  the  present  work.  Their  rehitionships  are  with  Falconince  (Ridgway). 
But  Sundevall  associates  Spilornis  with  Herp)etotherincEj  and  places  Micrastur  among  the 
numerous  genera  of  his  Asturincs. 

The  foregoing  are  the  principal  if  not  the  only  supergeneric  types  of  Falconidce  which  have 
no  representatives  in  our  country. 

The  North  American  Falconidce  fall  in  several  groups,  which  I  shall  call  subfamilies,  with- 
out insisting  upon  their  taxonomic  rank,  or  raising  the  question  whether  the  family  at  large  is 
divisible  in  this  manner.  These  groups  are  six  in  number  :  1.  C(Vcm«,  Harriers  ;  2.  Milvince, 
Kites ;  3.  Accipitrince,  Hawks ;  4.  Fcdconince,  Falcons ;  5.  Polyborince,  Caracaras ;  6.  Bu- 
teonince, Buzzards  and  Eagles.  If  it  be  urged  that  these  groups  grade  into  one  another,  it  may 
he  replied  that  most  large  groups  of  like  grade  in  ornithology  do  the  same  ;  and  that  ''  typical " 
or  central  genera  of  each  of  them  offer  practical  distinctions  which  have  been  recognized  from 
time  out  of  mind,  in  popular  opinion  and  vernacular  language,  as  well  as  by  the  consensus  of 
most  ornithological  experts.  The  A.  0.  U.,  however,  recognizes  only  two  subfamilies  —  Fal- 
conince for  the  Falcons  proper,  and  Accipitrince  for  all  the  rest,  except  the  genus  Pandion, 
made  a  third  subfamily  of  Falconidce,  instead  of  a  separate  family.  There  is  much  to  be  said 
in  favor  of  this  conservatism. 

In  my  1884  revision  of  North  American  Falconidce,  made  to  check  and  amplify  the  descrip- 
tions in  the  original  edition  of  this  work,  an  interesting  relation  between  shape  of  wings  and 
their  pattern  of  coloration  presented  itself,  (a)  If  we  take  a  "  noble"  Falcon,  such  as  a  Peregrine 
or  a  Lanner,  we  find  a  strong,  yet  sharp  wing,  with  the  2d  primary  longest,  supported  nearly  to 


Fio.   445.  —  The  Vulture's  BaiiqiK  r      iliu'.ti  itiiig  subfimily    Vulturince  of 
family  Falconidce,  not  represented  iu  Amerjca      (.From  Michelet.) 


FALCONID^E—CIRCIN.E:   HARRIERS.  651 

the  end  by  the  1st  and  3d  ;  the  nicking  of  the  quills  confined  to  a  few,  if  occurring  on  more  than 
one,  and  situated  near  the  tip.  Such  a  wing  is  as  potent  in  its  feathers  as  in  the  construction 
of  its  shoulder-joint,  and  indicates  the  acme  of  raptorial  power  in  its  possessor,  a  Falcon  being 
able  to  dash  down  upon  its  quarry  with  almost  incredible  velocity  and  violence.  The  mark- 
ings of  a  Falcon's  wing  are  no  less  characteristic,  consisting  of  clean-cut,  distinct  spots  of  light 
cok)r  on  both  webs  of  primaries  and  secondaries,  throughout  their  whole  extent,  or  almost  so. 
(b)  Any  true  "Hawk,"  as  an  Astur  or  Accijnter,  has  a  rounded  concavo-convex  wing,  confer- 
ring a  rapid,  almost  whirring,  tlight,  like  that  of  a  Partridge  at  full  speed ;  and  such  a  bird 
captures  its  prey  by  chasing  after  it  with  a  wonderful  impetuosity,  but  not  at  a  single  plunge 
like  a  Falcon.  Such  a  wing  has  more  primaries  cut,  farther  from  their  ends,  and  the  markings 
are  pretty  regular  and  distinct  hais.  (c)  Any  "  Buzzard,"  as  a  Buteo,  a  heavy  and  compara- 
tively slow  or  even  lumbering  bird  in  flight,  taking  its  prey  by  surprise  and  merely  dropping 
on  it  without  special  address,  has  many  or  most  of  the  primaries  cut,  far  from  their  ends,  and 
tlie  tendency  of  the  markings  is  to  fuse  and  blend  in  large  irregular  masses  of  color,  the  sharp 
markings  of  Falco  or  Accipiter  he'mg  thua  done  away  with.  Of  course  there  are  exceptions, 
as  well  as  every  possible  gradation,  in  the  case ;  but  if  one  will  compare  the  wing  of  Circus  or 
Archibuteo  with  that  oi  Aecipiter  or  Falco,  he  cannot  fail  to  perceive  the  point  I  raise.  The 
tail  is  in  somewhat  like  case.  In  the  most  noble  Birds  of  Prey  it  is  very  stiff  and  strong,  with 
almost  lance(jlate  feathers,  sharply  spotted  as  a  rule;  in  a  Hawk,  longer  and  weaker,  still  regu- 
larly barred  ;  in  a  Buzzard  general!  1/  (there  are  marked  exceptions)  of  medium  length  and  strength, 
with  the  markings  tending  to  merge  in  large  areas  of  color,  just  as  those  of  the  wings  do.  Fur- 
thermore, in  large  and  difficult  genera,  as  Buteo  for  example,  the  best  specific  characters  may 
be  aSorded  by  the  markings  of  the  tail.  These  are  usually  quite  different  in  young  and  old 
birds;  but  are  amc^ng  a  Hawk's  most  specific  credentials,  after  the  mature  plumage  is  assumed, 
even  when  the  rest  of  the  plumage  varies  greatly,  or  is  subject  to  melanism,  erythrism,  etc  In 
fine,  many  Hawks  are  best  known  by  their  tails.  Melanism  is  frequent  in  Falconidce;  erythrism 
is  not  (just  the  reverse  of  the  case  of  Strigidce).  The  further  generalization  may  be  made,  that 
the  coloration  of  under  parts  of  Falconidce  is  more  distinctive  of  species  than  that  of  upper  parts ; 
and  that  when  these  parts  are  barred  crosswise  in  the  adult  they  are  streaked  lengthwise  in  the 
young.  Sexual  differences  are  rather  in  size  than  in  color,  such  a  case  as  that  of  Circus  being 
exceptional. 

Analysis  of  Subfamilies. 

Scapular  process  of  coracoid  reaching  clavicle. 

Upper  mandible  toothed,  lower  mandible  notched Falcon'is.e 

Mandibles  without  tooth  or  notch       PoLTBORiNi: 

Scapular  process  of  coracoid  not  reacliing  clavicle. 

Face  with  a  ruff  somewhat  as  in  Owls C1RCIN.E 

Face  without  ruff. 

Tarsus  approximately  equal  to  tibia  in  length  ;  rounded  wings  little  longer  than  tail      ....  Accipitrin.k 
Tarsus  decidedly  shorter  than  tibia. 

Tail  forked,  or  much  sliorter  than  the  long  pointed  wings Milvin'.« 

Tail  not  forked,  moderately  shorter  tlian  tlie  obtuse  wings Bitteoxik.e 

Subfamily   CIRCIN/E  :    Harriers. 

Face  surrounded  with  an  incomplete  ruff  (as  in  most  Owls;)  orifice  of  ear  about  as  large 
as  eye,  and  in  some  cases  at  least  with  a  decided  of>nch  (fig.  446).  Bill  rather  weak,  not 
toothed  or  notched.  Legs  lengthened  ;  tarsus  approximately  equalling  tibia  in  length  (as  in 
Accijiitrinfr).  Wings  and  tail  lenytliened.  Form  light  and  litlie;  plumage  loose;  general 
organization  of  the  buteonine  rather  than  of  the  falconine  division  of  the  family.  Thus, 
scapular  process  of  coracoid  not  produced  to  clavicle  ;  no  nirdiaii  ridir'' <'n  jialatc  anteriorly; 
septum   nasi  less  complete   than  in   Fnlco.  and  nostrils  not   circular  with   a  central  tubercle. 


652 


SYSTEMA  TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  RAPTORES  —  A  CCIPITRES. 


Fig.    446.  —  Ear-parts  of  Circus, 
Macgillivray.) 


(After 


The  Harriers  constitute  a  small  group,  of  the  single  genus  Circus  and  its  subdivisions  (to 
which  soine  add  the  African  Pohjboroides) ,  containing  some  15  or  20  species  of  various  parts 
of  the  world. 

CIR'CUS.  (Gr.  KipKos,  Jcirkos,  Lat.  circus,  a  kind  of  hawk  ;  from  its  circling  in  the  air.  Fig. 
44G.)     Harriers.     Bill  thickly  beset  with  many  curved  radiating  bristles  surpassing  in  length 

the  cere,  which  is  large  and  tumid ;  tomia  lobed  or  fes- 
tooned, but  neither  toothed  nor  notched.  Nostrils  ovate- 
oblong,  nearly  horizontal.  Superciliary  shield  promi- 
nent. Tarsus  long  and  slender,  scutellate  before  and 
mostly  so  behind,  reticulate  laterally ;  toes  slender,  the 
middle  with  its  claw  much  shorter  than  tarsus  ;  a  basal 
web  between  outer  and  middle ;  all  tuberculate  under- 
neath ;  claws  very  large  and  sharp,  much  curved.  Wings 
very  long  and  ample;  3d  and  4th  quills  longest;  1st 
shorter  than  Gth;  outer  3-5  (in  our  species  4)  emargi- 
nate  on  inner  webs ;  2d-5th  emarginate  on  outer  webs.  Tail  very  long,  about  f  as  long  as 
wing,  nearly  even  or  rounded ;  folded  wings  falling  short  of  its  end.  In  our  species,  which 
differs  little  from  the  European  C.  cyaneus,  the  sexes  are  extremely  unlike  in  color  and  size ; 
old  $  chiefly  bluish-gray  and  white  ;  9  ^nJ  young  of  both  sexes  dark  brown  and  reddish- 
brown  or  tawny,  with  white  rump;  9  is  much  larger  than  $ .  Nest  placed  upon  the  ground  ; 
eggs  colorless  or  nearly  so.  Harriers  are  among  the  most  "  ignoble"  of  Hawks,  preying  upon 
humble  quarry,  chiefly  small  quadrupeds,  reptiles,  and  insects,  for  which  they  hunt  by  quarter- 
ing low  over  the  ground  with  an  easy  gliding  flight.  They  are  "  light-weights  "  in  proportion 
to  their  linear  dimensions,  all  the  members  being  lengthened,  the  wings  especially  ample. 
The  plumage  is  also  loose  and  fluffy,  somewhat  like  that  of  Owls,  to  which  the  Harriers  are 
related  in  several  respects. 

C.  liudson'ius.  (Lat.  Imdsonius,  of  Hudson's  Bay.  Fig.  447.)  American  Marsh  Hawk, 
or  Harrier.  Blue  Hawk.  Mouse  Hawk.  Adult  $  :  In  perfect  plumage  pale  pearly- 
bluish,     or  bluisli-ash,    above, 


with  the  upper  tail-coverts  en- 
tirely white ;  but  most  speci- 
mens have  a  dusky  wash  ob- 
scuring the  bluish,  and  retain 
traces  of  brown  or  rufous.  Five 
outer  primaries  mostly  black- 
ish, all  of  them  and  the  secon- 
daries with  large  white  basal 
areas  on  inner  webs ;  tail-feath- 
ers banded  with  5  or  6  obscure 
dusky  bars,  the  terminal  one 
strongest  and  most  distinct,  and 
marbled  with  white  toward 
their  bases.  The  bluish  cast 
invades  the   fore  under  parts. 


t*'^\'- 


Fig  447  —Marsh  Hank,  nat.  size.     (Ad.  nat.  del  E   C.) 

the  rest  of  which  are  white,  with  sparse  drop-shaped  rufous  spots ;  lining  of  wings  white. 
From  this  blue-and-white  state  the  bird  is  found  grading  by  degrees  into  the  very  different 
plumage  of  the  9  and  young :  Above,  dark  umber-brown,  everywhere  more  or  less  varied 
with  reddish-brown  or  yellowish-brown  ;  upper  tail-coverts,  however,  white,  forming  a  very 
conspicuous  mark  ;  under  parts  a  variable  shade  of  brownish-yellow,  or  ochraceous,  streaked 
with  umbor-brown,  at  least  on  breast  and  sides ;  tail  crossed  with  6-7  blackish  bars.     The 


FALCONIDjE  —  MIL  VINJE :  KITES. 


653 


younger  the  bird  the  heavier  the  coloration,  which  is  sometimes  quite  blackish  and  reddish, 
excepting  the  white  upper  tail-coverts.  Nestlings  are  covered  with  tawny  or  buff  down,  paler 
or  whitish  below,  overcast  with  gray  above.  ^  9  •  I^'S,  tarsi,  and  toes  bright  yellow  ;  cere 
yellow  or  yellowish;  bill  blackish;  claws  black.  ^  :  Length  17.50-19.00:  extent  40.00- 
44.00;  wing  13.00-14.00;  tail  9.00-10.00;  tarsus  .3.00  or  less  ;  middle  toe  without  claw  1.20. 
9:  Length  19.00-21.50;  extent  45.00-50.00;  wing  14.00-1(3.00;  tail  9.50-10.50  ;  tarsus  3.00 
or  more;  middle  toe  without  claw  1.40.  N.  Am.  at  large,  S.  to  Panama  and  Cuba,  one  of  the 
most  abundant  and  widely-diti'used  of  its  family,  especially  in  meadowy  and  marshy  places, 
and  easily  recognized  ])y  its  generic  characters,  in  all  its  variation  of  size  and  color;  resident  S. 
frnm  about  40°;  breeds  throughout  range.  The  nest  is  placed  upon  the  ground,  and  rather 
neatly  built  of  hay,  a  foot  in  diameter,  3  inches  high ;  eggs  2-9,  commonly  4-6,  broad  and 
nearly  equal-ended,  or  quite  ovate,  averaging  1.80  X  1.40,  with  moderate  variability  either 
way,  dull  white,  with  more  or  less  greenish  or  bluish  shade;  no  decided  markings,  but  fre- 
quently small  spots  and  large  blotches  of  very  pale  brownish  on  the  surface,  and  some  neutral- 
tint  shell-spots ;  they  are  laid  from  April  to  June,  but  mostly  in  May.  Commonly  regarded 
as  a  subspecies  of  C.  cyaneus  of  Europe;  averaging  a  little  larger;  old  ^  retaining  a  few 
rufous  spots  in  white  of  under  parts,  and  more  evident  barring  of  wings  and  tail.  (C  cyaneus 
hudsonius  of  former  eds.  of  the  Key.) 


Subfamily    MILVIN/E:    Kites. 

No  ruff  or  ear-conch.     Lo- 
ral bristles  moderate,  scanty  or 
([uite  wanting,  the  head   being 
then  closely  and  softly  feathered        e 
to  the  bill.     Superciliary  shield    .^^ 
evident    or    not.     Bill    usually     r 
weak,      sometimes      extremely    ^_ 
slender;    cutting  edge  of  upper    S; 
mandible  straight  to  the  curve,     ^' 
or  lobed  or  festooned,  but  not    £: 
todthed,    nor    under    mandible    Ej 
truncate  and  notched.     Nostrils    y±. 
not    circular,   nor    with    central    ^ 
bony    tubercle.        Wings    very    ^ 
li  "Ug,  more  or  less  narrowed  and     ^ 
l)ointed,    with    several    (in    our     "^ 
genera  2  to  5)  primaries  emar-     rf^ 
ginate    on    inner    welis.       Tail      <. 
very    variable    in    length    and 
shape,  in  our  genera  nearly  even        l 
or    deeply    forked.     Feet    very         ^ 
small;  tarsus  much  shorter  than 
tiliia,    apjiroximately   equal    to 
middle  toe  without  claw,  —  usu- 
ally   feathered    above,    the    rest  Fio.  448.  -  A  typical  Kite  ^i.7«„o«/M /or/,c«/,«).     (From  Miehelet.) 

mostly  or  entirely  reticulate  in  small  pattern  (with  few  or  no  large  transverse  scutella).  Gen- 
eral organization  is  buteoiiine  ;  the  scai>ular  jirocess  of  coracoid  does  not  meet  the  clavicle, 
septum  nasi  incompletely  o.ssified,  anterior  ridge  of  palate  little  developed,  if  at  all  ;  super- 
ciliary .shield  in  one  or  two  pieces.     Kites  form  a  rather  extensive  group  of  Hawks  of  no 


654  S YSTEMA  TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  RAPTORES  —  A CCIPITRES. 

great  streugth  and  less  than  average  size,  though  very  active,  generally  of  lithe  and  grace- 
ful shape,  with  long  thin  wings  and  often  forked  tail.  They  are  "ignoble"  birds,  subsisting 
upon  small  game,  especially  insects  and  reptiles.  In  Pernis  apiwrus,  the  Bee-eating  Hawk 
of  Europe,  the  whole  head  is  densely  and  softly  feathered  to  the  bill.  The  group  is  less  homo- 
geneous than  the  others  here  presented,  and  might  be  dismembered,  or  merged  in  Buteonince. 
The  genera  assigned  differ  with  nearly  every  writer  who  recognizes  the  group.  The  type  is 
Milvus,  near  which  stands  our  Elandides  (fig.  448),  and  with  which  it  may  not  be  improper 
to  associate  Elanus,  Idinia,  and  Bontrhamus. 

Analysis  of  Genera. 

Tail  nearly  as  long  as  the  wings,  deeply  forked  ;  head  closely  feathered Elandides 

Tail  short,  nearly  or  about  even. 

Five  outer  primaries  emarginate  on  inner  webs ;  bill  and  claws  extremely  slender Rostrhanius 

Two  outer  primaries  emarginate  ;  tarsus  scutellate  in  front Iitinia 

—  entirely  reticulate Elanus 

ROSTRHA'MUS.  (Lat.  rostrum,  a  beak ;  hamus,  a  hook.)  Sickle-billed  Kites.  Bill 
extremely  long  and  slender:  upper  mandible  hooked  almost  into  a  sickle-shape,  the  curvature 
also  impressed  to  some  extent  upon  the  under  mandible ;  cutting  edges  entirely  without  tooth 
or  lobe,  but  simply  curved  like  culmen ;  gonys  straight.  Cere  contracted ;  nostrils  narrowly 
oval,  horizontal.  Loral  bristles  slight.  Space  between  bill  and  eye  nearly  naked  and  colored, 
as  if  a  continuation  of  the  cere.  Wings  long;  3d  and  4th  quills  longest ;  5th  next;  1st  sliorter 
than  6th ;  outer  5  emarginate  on  inner  webs.  Tail  about  half  as  long  as  wing,  slightly  emar- 
ginate or  nearly  even.  Feet  small ;  tarsus  feathered  about  ^  way  down  in  front,  then  scutel- 
late, for  the  rest  reticulate ;  middle  toe  and  claw  about  as  long  as  tarsus.  Inner  toe  without 
claw  shorter  than  outer ;  inner  toe  and  claw  longer  than  outer ;  no  evident  webbing  between 
toes;  soles  granular,  but  little  tuberculate.  Claws  very  long  and  acute,  but  slender  and  com- 
paratively little  curved;  inner  edge  of  middle  one  dilated  and  jagged.  A  genus  marked  by  ex- 
treme hooking  of  the  slender  bill,  otherwise  near  Elanus;  containing  two  or  three  species  of 
the  warmer  parts  of  America. 

R.  socia'bilis.  (Lat.  sociahilis,  sociable,  gregarious.)  Everglade  Kite.  Snail  Hawk. 
Adult  ^  9  •  General  color  slate,  or  blackish-plumbeous,  blackening  on  wings  and  tail,  over- 
laid on  head  and  neck  with  a  chalky  cast.  Base  of  tail,  with  longer  upper  coverts  and  all 
under  coverts  white,  increasing  in  extent  on  tail  from  middle  to  lateral  feathers  ;  tail  also  with 
a  pale  gray  or  whitish  terminal  zone.  Bill  and  claws  black  ;  base  of  bill,  cere,  and  feet  bright 
orange,  drying  dingy  yellow;  iris  red.  Length  I6.OO-I9.OO;  extent  about  44.00;  wing  13.50- 
15.50  ;  tail  6.50-7.50;  bill  0.90-1.00;  tarsus  1.75-2.25;  middle  toe  without  claw,  rather  less. 
Young  birds  are  much  varied  with  brown,  yellowish,  and  white,  but  the  species  is  unmistak- 
able in  any  plumage.  Florida,  some  of  the  West  Indies,  Mexico,  and  S.  through  most  of  S. 
America.  Common  in  the  "  everglades"  of  Florida;  and  resembling  the  Marsh  Hawk  in  habits  ; 
food  largely  a  kind  of  snail  (Pomus  depressus)  ;  nest  in  a  bush  or  amidst  rank  herbage,  often 
over  water,  built  of  sticks,  leaves,  and  grasses,  a  foot  or  more  in  diameter  by  6  or  8  inches 
deep,  with  a  shallow  cavity ;  eggs  2  or  3,  greenish-white  or  whitish,  irregularly  spotted, 
scrawled,  blotched,  or  smirched  with  brown,  about  1.72  X  1-45,  laid  in  March  and  April, 
rarely  late  in  February.  (i2.  sociahilis  of  orig.  ed.  of  Key,  p.  211  ;  R.  s.  plumheus  of  2d- 
4th  eds.  p.  523,  by  error.) 

ICTI'NIA.  (Gr.  IktIvos,  iktinos,  a  kite.)  Lead  Kites.  Bill  rather  small,  but  robust, 
very  deep  and  wide  for  its  length;  tip  of  upper  mandible  much  overhanging,  its  cutting  edge 
very  prominently  lobed,  sometimes  almost  toothed  like  a  Falcon's,  sometimes  irregularly 
sinuate-serrate ;  the  nick  just  in  front  of  the  lobe  usually  permitting  the  median  ridge  of  the 
palate  to  be  visible  from  the  side  ;  culmen  very  strongly  arched  in  nearly  a  quadrant  of  a  circle  ; 
gonys  convex,  ascending;  cere  short;  nostrils  small,  subcircular;  loral  bristling  slight;  super- 


FA L  COXID.E  —  MIL  \  'IN.E :   KI TES. 


655 


ciliary  sliield  small,  in  oue  jjiece.  Wings  of  moderate  length,  ample;  3d  quill  longest;  2d  but 
little  shorter  ;  1st  quite  short,  about  equal  to  6th  ;  outer  2  emarginate  on  inner  web,  and  next 
2  somewhat  sinuate.  Tail  moderate,  even  or  emarginate,  the  feathers  broad  to  their  obtusely 
rounded  ends.  Feet  short  and  stout ;  tarsus  scantily  feathered  about  ^  way  down  in  front, 
then  scutellate,  for  the  rest  reticulate;  middle  toe  without  claw  about  as  long  as  tarsus;  outer 
and  middle  toes  connected  by  a  basal  web  for  whole  length  of  basal  joint  of  the  latter;  inner 
toe  without  claw  shorter  than  the  outer,  with  claw  hunger,  its  claw  being  much  larger  than 
that  of  outer  toe,  reaching  beyond  base  of  middle  claw.  Soles  broad,  especially  under  the  hind 
toe,  which  is  widely  margined  ;  claws  short,  stout,  much  curved.     A  genus  of  two  species, 


Fio.  449. — Left,  Mississippi  Kite,  J  nat.  siz 


liclit.    Suallnu-t.iil.-.l    Kit,-, 


(^From  Brelim.) 


routined  to  temperate  and  trupicil  .America;  of  great  volitorial  power,  spending  much  of  their 
time  on  the  wing  in  aerial  gyrations;  somewhat  gregarious  like  other  3Iilrin(r,  and  preying 
uixin  the  hum])lest  (juarry,  especially  insects  and  small  re])tiles,  often  feeding  from  their  talons 
as  they  sail  through  the  air,  after  sweeping  down  upon  their  prey  and  seizing  it  as  they  pass 
without  staying  their  Hight. 

I.  inississippien'sis.  (Lat.  of  Mississippi.  Fig.  44!>.)  Mi.-iSissiiM'i  Krn:.  Adult  ^  ^ : 
General  plumage  plumbeous  or  dark  ashy-gray,  bleaching  on  head  and  secondaries,  blackeniuir 
on  tail  and  wings,  several  primaries  more  (^)  or  less  (9  )  sufl'iised  with  chestnut-red  on  inner 
web  or  on  both  webs.  Forehead  and  tips  of  seeondaries  usually  silvery-whitish;  concealed 
white  spots  on  scapulars  ;  bases  of  feathers  of  head  and  under  j»arts  Heocy-white.     Lores,  eye- 


656  SYSTEMATIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  RAPTORES  —  ACCIPITRES. 

lids,  and  bill,  including  cere,  black  ;  gape  of  iiioutb  and  feet  orange,  the  latter  obscured  on  front 
of  tarsus,  and  along  tops  of  toes ;  iris  lake-red.  Feet  and  cere  drying  to  a  nameless  dingy 
color.  Length  of  $  about  14.00  ;  extent  36.00  ;  wing  10.50-11.50  ;  tail  6.00-6.50 ;  tarsus  1.45  ; 
9  about  15.00;  wing  11.00-12.50;  tail  6.50-7.00.  Young:  Head,  neck,  and  under  parts 
whitish,  spotted  with  dark  brown  or  reddish-brown,  excepting  on  throat  and  along  super- 
ciliary line;  lining  of  wings  tawny,  spotted  VA'ith  rusty-brown;  upper  parts  blackish,  naost 
feathers  edged  with  tawny- white ;  quills  tipped  with  white;  tail  black,  with  about  3  pale  ashy 
bands,  and  as  many  rows  of  white  spots  on  inner  webs.  Southern  U.  S.,  regularly  N.  to  South 
Carolina,  Illinois,  and  Kansas,  casually  to  Pennsylvania,  Iowa,  and  Wisconsin ;  W.  to  the 
Indian  Terr,  and  Texas;  S.  through  Mexico  to  Guatemala;  replaced  in  Central  and  South 
Auierica  by  the  related  but  quite  distinct  I.  plumhea.  Nest  of  sticks,  etc.,  in  trees,  either  de- 
ciduous or  coniferous,  at  various  heights,  20-60  feet;  eggs  2-3,  1.65  X  1-35,  pale  glaucous, 
noi-uially  unmarked,  but  often  with  some  faint  spots  or  stains ;  laid  in  April,  May,  or  June. 
(Ictinia  snhccerulea  (Bartr.)  Coues,  2d-4th  eds.  1884-90,  p.  524.) 

E'LiANUS.  (Lat.  elanus,  a  kite.)  Pearl  Kites.  Related  tfi  the  last;  general  form  and 
aspect  similar.  Pattern  of  coloration  entirely  different.  Bill  rather  weak  and  compressed ; 
tomia  of  upper  mandible  devoid  of  lobe  or  festoon,  but  slightly  sinuate  to  the  overhanging  tip; 
gonys  about  straight;  culmen  less  strongly  convex  than  in  Ictinia  ;  nostrils  subcircular,  near 
middle  of  the  moderate  cere.  Feet  very  small ;  tarsus  feathered  half-way  down  in  front,  for 
the  rest  finely  reticulate,  like  tops  of  toes  to  near  their  ends;  hind  toe  very  short ;  claws  small, 
little  curved,  not  scooped  out  underneath  ;  basal  web  between  middle  and  outer  toes  slight 
(compare  feet  oi Ictinia).  Wings  nearly  or  about  twice  as  long  as  tail;  pointed,  2d  and  3d 
quills  longest,  1st  about  equal  to  4th,  1st  and  2d  emarginate  on  inner  webs.  Tail  emarginate^ 
but  outer  feather  shorter  than  the  next,  all  the  feathers  broad  to  their  obtusely -rounded  ends. 
A  small  genus  of  4  or  5  species  inhabiting  the  warmer  parts  of  the  world. 
E.  glau'cus.  (La.t.  glaucus,  hhnsh.)  Black-shouldered  Kite.  White-tailed  Kite. 
Adult  (J  9 :  Upper  parts  pale  bluish-ash  ;  most  of  the  head,  whole  tail,  and  entire  under 
parts,  including  lining  of  wings,  pure  white;  lesser  and  middle  wnng-coverts  black,  forming  a 
great  black  area ;  a  patch  on  under  wing-coverts,  shafts  of  most  tail-feathers,  and  loral  spot, 
also  black;  white  of  under  parts  and  middle  tail-feathers  often  wdth  a  pearly  bluish  cast.  Bill 
and  claws  black  ;  cere  and  feet  yellow  or  orange;  iris  red  or  reddish.  Length  15.50-17.00; 
extent  39.00-41.50 ;  wing  11.50-13.50;  tail  7.00-8.00;  tarsus  1.30;  middle  toe  without  claw 
about  the  same;  9  averaging  larger  than  ^.  Young  :  Marked  with  dusky  and  redtlish-brown  ; 
wing-feathers  white-tipped,  tail-feathers  with  a  subterminal  asiiy  bar.  In  this  species  the  tail 
is  emarginate  to  a  depth  of  about  0.50;  outer  tail-feather  also  about  as  much  shorter  than  the 
next,  which  is  the  longest  one.  Southern  U.  S.  from  Atlantic  to  Pacific;  N.  to  South  Carolina, 
Illinois,  Indian  Territmy,  and  Middle  California,  casually  to  Michigan  ;  S.  through  Central 
and  most  of  South  America  ;  common  in  many  localities  and  resident,  but  of  irregular  distri- 
bution, especially  iu  the  breeding  season,  March-^Iay.  With  habits  in  general  like  those  of 
the  last  species,  this  elegant  Kite  is  stronger  and  more  predaceous,  preying  upon  small  birds  and 
quadrupeds  as  well  as  insects  and  reptiles  ;  its  favorite  haunts  are  near  streams  or  marshes.  It 
nests  in  trees,  preferably  the  tops  of  low  oaks ;  eggs  3-5,  oftenest  4,  subspherical,  about  1 .66  X 
1.33,  whitish,  blotched  and  smirched  with  mahogany  color,  usually  to  the  extent  of  mostly  hid- 
ing the  ground  color  with  these  rich  and  heavy  reddish  and  blackish  browns.  (E.  glancus 
Coues,  2d-4th  eds.  1884-90,  p.  525,  holds  good ;  for  those  who  will  not  accept  Falco  glauciis 
from  Bartram,  1791,  must  take  it  from  Barton,  N.  H.  Penn.  1799,  p.  11  :  see  Coues, 
Birds  Coll.  Vail.  1878,  p.  593,  and  Auk,  Apr.  1897,  p.  21 G.  E.  leucunis  of  A.  0.  U.  Lists, 
1886-95,  by  error.) 

ELANOi'DES.  (Lat.  elanus,  and  Gr.  e'idos,  eidos,  resemblance.)  Swallow-tailed  Kites. 
Prominently  characterized  by  the  extremely  elongated  and  deeply  forficate  tail,  length  of  which 


FALCONIDuE  —  ACCll'ITRIX.E:   HAWKS.  657 

nearly  equals  that  of  wing,  the  narrow,  acuminate  lateral  feathers  being  more  than  twice  as 
long  as  middle  pair  when  full  grown.  Wings  also  very  long,  thm,  and  acute;  2d  and  .3d  ([uills 
ft)rming  the  point;  1st  about  equal  to  4th  ;  1st  and  2d  emarginate  on  inner  webs.  Feet  very 
short,  but  stout ;  tarsus  feathered  about  i  way  down  in  front,  elsewhere  irregularly  reticulate ; 
toes  mostly  scutellate  on  top,  but  reticulate  toward  their  bases,  granular  and  padded  under- 
neath; claws  short,  stout,  strongly  arcuate,  scooped  out  underneath,  with  sharp  edges,  that  of 
the  middle  dilated.  Bill  rather  weak,  with  moderately  convex  culmen  and  small  cere;  the 
cutting  edge  festooned.  Nostrils  oval,  oblicjue.  Head  closely  feathered  on  sides;  a  small 
superorbital  shield  of  a  single  bone.  A  beautiful  genus,  of  a  single  species,  related  to  Old 
World  Milvus  (typical  Kites)  and  esp<'cially  to  Nauclerus,  with  wliieh  latter  it  has  usually 
been  associated. 

E.  forfica'tus.  (Lat.  forficatus,  deeply  forked.  Figs.  448,  449.)  Swallow-tailed  Kite. 
Snake  Hawk.  Adult  ^  ^ :  Head,  neck,  band  on  rump,  and  entire  under  parts,  including 
lining  of  wings,  snow-white  ;  back,  wings,  and  tail,  glossy  black,  with  various  lustre,  chiefly 
green  and  violet.  Bill  bluish-black;  cere,  edges  of  mandibles,  and  feet  pale  bluish,  the  latter 
tinged  with  greenish;  claws  light-colored.  Length  about  24.00,  but  very  variable;  extent 
50.00;  wing  15.50-17.50;  tail  up  to  14.50,  cleft  more  than  J  its  length;  tarsus  about  1.25; 
middle  toe  without  claw  rather  less.  Young  :  Similar  ;  less  lustrous  ;  wing-  and  tail-feathers 
white-tipped;  feathers  of  head  and  neck  pencilled  with  delicate  shaft-lines  of  blackish.  This 
most  elegant  Kite,  superlative  in  ease  and  grace  of  wing,  floats,  soars,  and  dashes  over  the 
greater  part  of  America,  and  even  crosses  the  Atlantic  on  its  buoyant  pinions  (Great  Britain, 
more  than  once,  see  Zool.  June  15th,  1897,  p.  270).  It  is  abundant  in  the  Southern  U.  S., 
sometimes  winging  its  way  to  the  Middle  States,  even  to  New  England,  and  regularly  up  the 
whole  ^Mississippi  valley,  to  that  of  the  Red  Kiver  of  the  North.  While  I  was  collecting  on 
the  northern  Boundary  Survey,  in  Nortli  Dakota,  Manitoba,  and  Assiniboia,  in  1873,  and  dur- 
ing my  exploration  of  the  source  of  the  Mississippi  in  Minnesota,  in  1894,  I  was  repeatedly 
gratified  by  the  spectacle  of  this  impetuous  bird,  so  like  a  colossal  swallow  in  its  flight,  build, 
and  coloration.  Its  breeding  range  is  irregularly  coextensive  with  its  general  distribution  in 
North  America ;  the  laying  season  is  March-!May  in  the  South,  but  May  and  June  in  the  Upper 
Mississippi  and  Red  River  valleys.  The  nest  is  placed  on  a  tree,  preferably  atop  a  tall  one, 
and  is  constructed  of  sticks,  hay,  moss,  etc.;  eggs  1-4,  oftener  2  or  3,  averaging  nearly  1.90  X 
1.50,  witli  the  usual  range  of  variation  in  size  and  shape,  wliite  or  whitish,  irregularly  blotched 
and  specked  with  rusty  and  rich  dark  chestnut-brown,  in  most  cases  in  bold,  handsome 
patterns. 

Subfamily  ACCIPITRIN>E  :    Hawks. 

General  form  strict,  with  small  head,  shortened  wings,  and  lengthened  tail  and  legs. 
Tarsi  approximately  equal  to  tibia  in  length.  Bill  slu»rt,  robust,  high  at  base;  toothless,  but 
usually  with  a  prominent  festoon;  no  central  tubercle  in  the  broadly  oval  nostril,  nor  keel  of 
palate  anteriorly.  Superciliary  shield  prominent.  Coracoid  arrangement  as  in  Biiteoninie, 
into  which  grou[»  the  present  one  grades.  Wings  concavo-convex  ;  .3d  to  Gth  quills  longest, 
1st  very  short  and  more  or  less  bowed  inward,  outer  3  to  5  emarginate  or  sinuate  on  inner 
webs.  Tail  quite  long,  square  or  rounded,  sometimes  emarginate,  nearly  cquaUing  wiui:  in 
length.  Tarsi  slender,  longer  than  middle  toe  without  chiw,  usually  ext«'nsively  if  not  com- 
pletely denuded  of  feathers,  and  scutellate  before  and  behind  ;  but  in  sonu'  cases  the  scales  fuse 
in  a  continuous  boot,  like  that  of  a  Thrush.  This  is  an  extensive  group  of  medium-sized  and 
small  Hawks,  little  if  at  all  inferior  in  spirit  of  audacity  to  the  true  Falctms,  though  less  jtow- 
irfully  ortranized,  and  in  fact  conforming  in  anatomical  characters  with  Tintamiu(C  rather  tlian 
with  F(i}ioui)ur.  In  the  teclinic  of  falconry,  Accipifrituc  are  styled  "ignoble,"  because  tiie.se 
short-winired  Hawks  rake  after  tlie  (piarry,  instead  of  plunging  upon  it  like  the  "  noble  "  long- 


658  SYSTEMA  TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  RAPTORES  —  A  CCIPITRES. 

winged  Falcons.  Their  flight  is  swift  and  dashing;  they  capture  their  prey  in  open  chase  with 
amazing  celerity  and  address,  always  killing  for  themselves  and  disdaining  refuse.  Their 
quarry  is  chiefly  birds  and  quadrupeds.  Astur  and  Accipiter  are  the  typical  and  principal 
genera,  of  which  some  50  species  (chiefly  of  the  former  genus)  are  known,  inhabiting  most 
parts  of  the  world.  Our  representatives  of  these  genera  are  easily  discriminated,  but  some 
exotic  species  connect  tliem  so  closely  that  the  A.  0.  U.  makes  Astur  a  subgenus  of  Accipiter. 

Analijsis  of  Genera  or  Suhgeyiera. 

Small  and  medium-sized ;  length  20.00  or  less.    Tarsus  more  extensively  denuded,  and  scutellate,  sometimes  booted. 

Accipiter 
Large  ;  length  over  20.00.     Tarsus  less  extensively  denuded,  and  scutellate,  never  booted Astur 

ACCI'PITER.  (Lat.  accipiter,  a  hawk.  Fig.  450.)  Sharp-shinned  Hawks.  Tarsi 
feathered  about  |-  way  down  in  front,  or  less  (in  Astur  about  ^  way),  and  quite  slender  (whence 
the  term  "sharp-shinned");  in  one  of  our  two  species  prominently  and  continuously  scutellate 
before  and  behind,  the  scutellation  continued  on  to  the  toes ;  in  the  other  the  same,  or  finally 
fused  in  a  continuous  "  boot."  Toes  long,  slender,  the  outer  much  webbed  at  base  and  padded 
underneath  ;  inner  claw  much  larger  than  middle  one,  approximately  equalling  hind  claw ; 
height  of  bill  at  base  greater  than  chord  of  culmen ;  4th  and  5th  quills  longest,  3d  and  6th 
next,  2d  shorter  than  6th,  1st  very  short.  The  two  following  species  are  exactly  alike  in  color ; 
one  is  a  miniature  of  the  other.  The  ordinary  plumage  is  dai'k  brown  above  (deepest  on  head, 
the  occipital  feathers  showing  white  when  disturbed),  with  an  ashy  or  plumbeous  shade  which 
increases  with  age,  till  the  general  cast  is  quite  bluish-ash ;  below,  white  or  whitish,  variously 
streaked  with  dark  brown  and  rusty,  finally  changing  to  brownish-red  (palest  behind  and 
slightly  ashy  across  breast),  the  white  then  only  showing  in  narrow  cross-bars;  chin,  throat, 
and  crissum  white,  with  blackish  pencilling,  the  crissum,  however,  usually  immaculate;  wings 
and  tail  barred  with  ashy  and  brown  or  blackish,  quills  white-barred  basally,  tail  whitish- 
tipped  ;  bill  dark ;  claws  black ;  iris,  cere,  and  feet  yellow.  Sexes  alike  in  color ;  9  much 
larger  than  ^. 

Analysis  of  Species. 

Feet  extremely  slender ;  bare  portion  of  tarsus  longer  than  middle  toe ;  scutella  frequently  fused ;  tail  square, 
cf  10.00-12.00;  extent  about  21.00;  wing  C.00-7.00;  tail  5.00-G.OO.  ?  12.00-14.00;  extent  about  25.50  ;  wing  7.00- 
8.00  ;  tail  6.00-8.00  ;  whole  foot  3.50  or  less veJox 

Feet  moderately  stout ;  bare  portion  of  tarsus  shorter  than  middle  toe ;  scutella  always  distinct ;  tail  rounded, 
cf  lG.00-18.00 ;  extent  about  30.00 ;  wing  9.00-10.00 ;  tail  7.00-8.00.  $  18  00-20.00  ;  extent  about  35.00 ;  wing 
10.00-11.00;  tail  8.00-9.00;  whole  foot  4.00  or  more      .     .     .     .     , cooperi 

A.  ve'lox.  (Lat.  velox,  swift,  moving  with  velocity  or  rapidity.  Fig.  451.)  Sharp-shinneu 
Hawk.  "Pigeon"  Hawk  (so  called,  but  not  to  be  confounded  with  Falco  columharius) . 
Little  Blue  Darter.  Adult  $  9  '•  Above,  dark  plumbeous,  slate-color,  or  bluish-gray, 
somewhat  more  fuscous  on  wings  and  tail  than  on  the  body ;  feather.s  of  hind-head  with  fleecy 
white  bases,  scapulars  with  concealed  white  spots.  Tail  crossed  by  about  4  blackish  bars,  the 
first  under  the  coverts,  the  last  subterminal  and  broadest;  extreme  tips  of  the  feathers  white. 
Primaries  also  marked  with  blackish  bars  or  spots,  and  whitening  at  their  bases,  in  bars  or  in- 
dents of  the  inner  webs.  Under  parts  barred  crosswise  with  rufous  on  a  white  ground,  the  bars 
on  some  parts  cordate  and  connected  along  shafts  of  the  feathers,  which  are  blackish  ;  ear-coverts 
rufous ;  rufous  mostly  or  entirely  wanting  on  cheeks,  throat,  and  crissum,  which  are  more  or  less 
finely  pencilled  with  black  shafts  of  the  feathers;  crissum,  however,  often  pure  white.  Axil- 
lars  barred  like  other  under  parts ;  lining  of  wings  white,  with  dusky  spots.  Dimensions  as 
above.  Young:  Above,  umber-brown,  varied  with  rusty-brown  edgings  of  most  of  the  feath- 
ers ;  white  spots  of  scapulars  exposed.  Below,  white  more  or  less  tawny-tinged,  striped  length- 
wise with  dark  brown  or  reddish-brown  on  most  parts,  the  feathers  mostly  black-shafted.     This 


FALCONID.E  —  A  CCIPITRIN/E:   HA  WKS. 


669 


state  is  oftener  seen  than  the  perfected  plumage ;  every  intermediate  stage  is  seen ;  but  there 
can  be  no  misunderstanding  the  species,  as  our  only  other  Hawks  {Falco  columburius  and  F. 
sparverius)  of  similar  sliglit  dimensions  belong  to  a  different  geuus  aud  subfamily.  N.  Am. 
at  large,  one  of  our  most  abundant  Hawks,  aud  one  which,  notwithstanding  its  smalluess,  sus- 
tains the  reputation  of  Accipitrince  for  nerve  and  prowess.  It  preys  almost  entirely  upon  birds, 
up  to  the  size  of  a  Robin,  even  of  a  Pigeon  ur  pullet.  The  nest  is  built  at  a  fair  height  in  a 
tree,  preferably  a  conifer,  sometimes  in  a  hollow  or  on  a  ledge  of  rocks,  being  a  shallow  plat- 
form of  small  sticks  with  or  without  a  lining  of  leaves  or  bark  ;  of  remarkably  large  dimensions 
for  the  size  of  the  bird ;  the  eggs  are  generally  laid  in  May,  sometimes  not  till  June,  to  the 
number  of  4  or  5,  rarely  more.     The  white  ground-color  has  often  a  livid  bluish  or  greenish 


Fio.  450.  —  Accipiier  nisus  of  Europe,  adult  (f,  J  nat.  size;  not  distinguishable  in  a  cut  from  our  Sharp-shinned 
Hawk  ;  taken  as  of  j  nat.  size  it  would  represent  Cooper's  Hawk  just  as  well ;  at  |  it  would  do  duty  for  a  Goshawk. 
(From  Brelim.) 


tint,  and  is  marked,  often  so  thickly  as  to  be  obscured,  with  large,  irregular  splashes  of  various 
shades  of  brown,  intermiuably  changeable  in  number,  size,  and  pattern,  sometimes  inclining 
ti>  form  masses  or  a  wreath,  sometimes  more  evenly  distributed,  sometimes  reduced  to  spots, 
in  rare  cases  to  a  few  mere  specks  sparsely  scattered  over  the  whole  surface.  The  egg  is  of 
nearly  equal  size  at  both  ends,  and  measures  about  1.45  X  1.15,  ranging  in  length  from  1.40 
to  1.54.  It  is  not  always  distinguishable  with  certainty  from  that  of  Fako  cnlumbnrius.  The 
eggs  of  this  species  are  usually  beautiful  objects.  (A.fuscus  of  ]>revious  eds.  of  the  Key,  a 
name  preoccupied ;  velox  Wilson  is  next  in  order  of  date,  and  now  usccl  by  the  A.  0.  U.) 
A.  coo'pcri.  (To  Wm.  Cooper.  Figs.  452,  45.*}.)  Cooper's  Hawk.  Chickkn  Hawk  (a 
name  shaiid  l)y  species  of  7?»/eo.)  liio  BurE  Dautkk.  Tlie  colors  and  changes  of  j»lumage 
of  this  species  being  practically  tlie  same  as  those  of  trior,  need  not  be  repeated.  The  chief 
diffeicnces  are  :  crown  of  adult  usually  ajipreciably  darker  slate  than  back  ;  wliite  scapular  spots 
sm.iller,  fewer,  or  w.nitini,'  ;  in  high  plumage  the  upper  parts  clearer  bluish,  while  the  breast 
lias  a  tine  glaucous  bloom  overlying  the  rufous  and  white  ground-color;  tail  more  decidedly 


(360 


SYSTEMA TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  RAPTORES  —  A CCIPITRES. 


white-tipped.  A  small  $  cooperi  grades  in  size  nearly  down  to  a  large  9  velox,  but  there  ap- 
pears to  be  constantly  a  ditiereuce  of  2  00  at  least  in  total  length;  and  in  any  event,  the  other 
characters  above  given  will  suffice  for  their  discrimination.     In  either  species,  the  yellow  of  the 


cere  and  feet  is  often  or  usually  obscured  with  greenish.     In  cooperi,  tlie  tarsal  scutella  are 
sometimes  indistinct,  but  are  not  known  to  fuse  into  a  boot.     A  large  9  not  distantly  resembles 


FALCOXIDjE  —  A CCIPITRTNJZ:   HA  WKS. 


661 


a  young  $  Goshawk  ;  but  difference  in  feathering  of  tarsus  is  distinctive.  Temperate  N.  Am. 
at  large,  and  southward;  one  of  the  common  "chicken"  Hawks,  and  a  fellow  of  great  audacity 
and  prowess,  preying  on 
birds  up  to  the  size  of  Grouse 
and  di>mestic  })oultry.  Nest- 
ing substantially  as  described 
for  velox,  but  the  cht)ice  of 

a   site    is   more    variable    in  ^Q^f^-^  ^'  "iJ^^BP  ^S^-^ 

height  and  kind  of  tree,  and 
the  structure  is  relatively 
smaller ;  also,  the  nest  of 
some  other  Hawk,  or  of  a 
Crow,  is  often  utilized.  Eggs 
I  have  examined  measure 
from  1.80  X  1-45  to  2.00  X 

1.65     (figures     showing     tlie  Fig.  452. —Beak  and  Ulons  of  ^criy^Z/er  (.1.  coo/jeW,  nat.  size).     (Ad.  nat. 

variation    both    in    size    and     ^^^'  ^"      "^ 

shape),  averaging  al)out  1.90  X  1.50.  They  re.-;emble  those  of  the  Marsh  Hawk  so  closely  as 
not  to  be  certainly  distinguishable,  but  are  usually  more  globular,  and  with  a  more  granulated 
shell.  The  greatest  diameter  is  at  or  very  near  the  middle ;  difference  iu  shape  of  the  two  ends 
is  rarely  appreciable.  All  are  more  uniform  in  color  than  those  of  most  Hawks,  resembling  the 
pale,  scarcely-marked  examples  occasionally  laid  by  most  kinds;  none  are  conspicuously  dark- 

marked.     The  ground  is  bluisli-wliite,  faintly  tinted 

witli  livid  or  greenish-gray,  rarely  quite  greenish ; 
if  marked,  it  is  usually  with  faint,  sometimes 
almost  obsolete,  blotches  of  drab,  liable  to  be  over- 
looked without  close  inspection  ;  but  a  good  many 
specimens  are  found  with  decided,  though  still  dull 
and  sparse,  spots  and  scrawls  of  ])ale  brown. 
Tinee  or  four  eggs  are  the  usual  nest-complement, 
but  the  number  ranges  from  2  to  G ;  iu  the  North- 
ern and  Middle  States  they  are  laid  iu  May,  in  the 
Southern  also  in  the  latter  part  of  April,  and  in 
some  localities  they  are  found  fresh  in  June. 
AS'TUK.  (Lat.  astur,  a  hawk.)  G<)SIIAWKS. 
( 'liaracters  iu  general  as  above  given  for  Accipiter; 
size  superior,  organization  nK)re  rtibust ;  feet 
stronger ;  tarsus  feathered  about  k  way  down  iu 
front  and  on  sides,  leaving  only  a  narrow  bare  strip 
lichind;  scutcllatiou  discontinuous  at  bases  of  toes, 
wliich  are  finely  reticulate  ;  resumed  beyond  ;  never 
fused.  These  "goose-hawks"  or  "star-hawks" 
are  a  small  genus  of  five  or  six  '"  ignoble"  species, 
hilil  ill  liigh  cstiiiiatinii  \\\  talcoucrs  fir  their  jiniwess  in  the  chase.  Ours  appears  to  be  quite 
<listin<'t  trnui  VA\m\H':\\\  ixihimlidriiis,  tlioiigh  closely  related.  (Siibi.'enus  ..4.s7«;",  A.  0.  V .) 
A.  atriciipil'liis.  (I.at.  utriaipillus,  black-Iiaired.  Figs.  4.")4,  4.").").)  Amf.kH'AN  Gi).<!llAWK. 
15lue  Hen  Hawk  (adult).  C'iiickkn  Hawk  (young).  Adult  <^  9  =  AI)ove,  dark  blnisli- 
slate  color,  each  feather  black-shafted;  top  of  head  blackish,  conspicuously  diHerent  from  other 
u|iper  parts,  the  feathers  tliere  with  Heecy  white  bases  ;  a  long  white  superciliary  or  rather  post- 
ocular  stripe;  .•luriciilars  blackish,     (irouiid  color  of  under  jiarts,   including  lining  of  wings, 


Kio.  4.53. — Coopcr'.s  Il.uvk. 


662 


SYSTEMATIC  SYNOPSIS.  —RAPTORES  —  ACCIPITRES. 


white,  closely  barred  or  vermiculated  in  narrow  zigzag  lines  with  slaty-brown,  except  on  throat, 
and  ciissum,  and  everywhere  sharply  pencilled  with  blackish  shaft-lines,  one  on  each  feather. 

The  barring  is  largest  and  most  regular  on  belly,  Hanks,  and 
tibiae,  but  is  for  the  most  part  much  dissipated  in  fine  mottling. 
It  varies  greatly  in  coarseness  in  different  specimens,  some  of 
which  approach  palitmbarius  in  this  respect.  Tail  like  back, 
banded  with  4  or  5  blackish  bars,  the  terminal  one  much  the 
broadest.  Wing-quills  in  similar  pattern;  both  these  and  tail 
showing  tendency  to  some  whitish  mottling  of  inner  webs  of  the 
feathers.  Bill  dark  bluish ;  iris  reddish ;  feet  yellow,  claws 
black.  Young:  Difference  substantially  as  in  ^cctp«7er:  above, 
dark  brown,  varied  with  rusty-brown  and  whitish ;  below,  white, 
more  or  less  tawny-tinged,  with  oblong,  lance-linear,  clubbed  or 
drop-shaped  dark  brown  markings.  Tail  more  distinctly  barred 
than  in  the  adult,  and  with  white  tip.  Iris  yellowish.  But  iu 
any  equivocal  plumage,  the  Goshawk  may  be  recognized  by  its 
size,  which  is  that  of  an  average  Buteo,  together  with  the  short 
rounded  wings,  very  long  fan-shaped  tail,  and  other  generic  char- 
acters. Length  of  ^  20.00-22.00;  extent  about  42.00;  wing 
12.00-13.00;  tail  9.00-10.00;  tarsus  2.75;  middle  toe  without 
claw  1.75;  chord  of  culmen  without  cere  0.90;  9i  length  22.00- 
24.00;  extent  45.00  or  more;  wing  13.00-14.00;  tail  11.50-12.50. 
A  large,  powerful,  and  in  perfect  plumage,  a  very  handsome 
Hawk,  of  splendid  spirit,  combining  ferocity  witli  audacity  in  the 
highest  degree,  and  the  terror  of  the  poultry-yard,  where  it  does 
more  damage  than  any  other  Hawk,  or  than  the  great  Horned 
Owl ;  it  habitually  preys  upon  birds  up  to  the  size  of  Grouse  and 
Ptarmigan,  and  mammals  as  large  as  hares.  It  is  a  larger,  and 
altogether  "better"  bird  than  the  European  Goshawk.  It  in- 
habits northern  N.  Am.;  the  northern  half  of  the  U.  S.  chiefly 
in  winter,  but  is  also  resident  in  some  parts,  and  breeds  in  moun- 
tainous regions  S.  to  Colorado,  where  I  have  seen  it  in  summer, 
and  New  Mexico ;  it  occurs  sometimes  on  the  Pacific  Coast  of 
the  U.  S.,  as  in  Oregon,  and  has  been  taken  in  England.  The 
nesting  and  eggs  are  like  those  of  Accipiter  cooperi;  eggs  only 
distinguishable  by  their  superior  size,  measuring  about  2.30  X  1-85,  are  2-5  in  number,  white 
with  a  faint  bluish  tint,  normally  immaculate,  sometimes  showing  faint  brownish  or  neutral  tint 
discolorations.     They  are  laid  in  April  and  May. 

A.  a.  stria'tulvis.  (Lat.  striaUdus,  finely  striped.)  Western  Goshawk.  Described  as 
having  markings  of  under  parts  so  fine  and  dense  as  to  present  a  nearly  uniform  bluish-ashy 
nebulation,  pencilled  with  fine  black-shafted  lines,  and  the  upper  parts  dark  plumbeous,  inclin- 
ing to  blackish  on  the  back;  the  young  brownish -black  above,  with  broad  black  screaks  be- 
coming often  cordate  spots  on  the  thighs.  Rocky  Mts.  to  the  Pacific,  especially  the  Coast 
region,  breeding  from  Sitka,  Alaska,  to  the  Sierras  Nevadas  of  California  in  lat.  39°. 


Pig.  4r>4.  — European  Goshawk, 
young  (}  \  nat.  size,  not  distinguish- 
able in  the  cut  from  the  young  Amer- 
ican Goshawk  ;  change  of  scale  to  \ 
or  4  would  make  it  represent  the 
young  (f  Cooper's  or  Sharp-shinned 
Hawk.     (From  Brehm.) 


Subfamily   FALCONIN/E:    Falcons. 

Bill  furnished  with  a  sharp  tooth  and  notch  near  end  of  cutting  edge  of  upper  mandible 
(sometimes  two  such  teeth) ;  end  of  under  mandible  truncated,  with  notch  near  tip  (figs.  456, 
458).     Nostrils  circular,  high  in  the  cere,  with  a  prominent  central  tubercle  (fig.  456).     Inter- 


FA  L  CONID^  —  FA  L  CONIN.E ;   FA  L  CONS. 


663 


nasal  septum  extensively  ossified.  Palate  with  a  median  keel  anteriorly.  Superciliary  shield 
proniiueiit,  in  one  large  piece.  Shoulder-joint  strengthened  by  union  of  scapular  ])rocess  of 
coracoid  with  clavicle  (fig.  444)  as  in  Micrastur,  Herpetotheres,  and  Pohjborince  alone  of  Fal- 
conidce.  Wings  strong,  long,  and  pointed,  with  rigid  and  usually  straight  and  tapering  Hight- 
feathers  ;  tip  formed  by  2d  and  3d  quills,  supported  nearly  to  their  ends  by  Isl  and  4th,  both 
of  which  are  longer  than  5th  ;  only  one  or  two  outer  primaries  emarginate  on  inner  webs  near 
end.  Tail  short  and  stiff,  with  more  or  less  tapering  rectrices.  Feet  strong,  rather  short ; 
tarsus  of  less  length  than  tibia,  feathered  more  or  less  extensively,  elsewhere  irregularly  reticu- 
late in  small   pattern  varying  with  the  genera  or  subgenei'a ;  never  scutellate  in  single  series 


M 


t 


Fig.  455.  —  American  Goshawk,  nat.  size. 

before  or  behind.  Middle  toe  very  long  ;  talons  very  strong.  True  falcons  are  thus  eminently 
distinguished  from  other  members  of  the  family  ;  a  glance  at  the  toothed  beak  suffices  for  their 
recognition.  They  are  birds  of  medium  and  small  size,  some  kinds  being  not  larger  than  a 
Sparrow,  but  extremely  sturdy  organization,  vigorous  physif|ue,  and  temerarious  dis])osition. 
They  capture  their  quarry  with  sudden  and  violent  onslauglit,  and  exhibit  raptorial  nature  in 
its  highest  degree.  The  typical  an<l  principal  genus  is  Fnico,  of  which  there  are  several  sub- 
divisions corresponding  to  minor  modifications.  Upwards  of  ."SO  species  are  recognized.  Our 
rather  numerous  species  represent  the  several  grades  of  Gyrfalcons,  Lanuers,  Peregrines,  Mer- 
lins, and  Kestrels.  These  I  shall  consider  under  one  genus,  Falco,  with  indication  of  the  sub- 
genera. 

FAL'C'O.  (Lat.  falco,  a  falcon  or  fauct)n.)  Characters  as  above,  with  minor  modifications 
as  follows  :  — 

Anali/sis  of  Subgenrra,  Sprcies,  and  f!uhspecies. 

TarHus  morp  or  less  feathered  above,  elsewhere  irreRuIarly  reticulate  in  small  pattern  (no  large  plates  like  srutella) ; 
•-M  i>nin!»ry  lonRfst ;  Int  longer  than  4th,  and  alone  decidedly  emarginate  on  imier  web.  ( Gy r/d/foru  and  Lan- 
ners.)     ^HlEROFALCo.) 


664 


5 YS TEMA  TIC  S  YNOPSIS.  —  RAP TORES  —  A CCIPI TRES. 


Gyrfalcons :  Tarsus  feathered  fully  ^  way  down  iu  front  and  on  sides,  leaving  but  a  narrow  strip  bare  be- 
hind ;  longer  than  middle  toe  without  claw  ;  1st  quill  shorter  than  3d.  Sexes  alike.  Very  large  :  about 
2  feet  long. 

Prevailing  color  white.     Arctic isla7idus 

Prevailing  color  dark  ;  head  and  neck  lighter  than  back.     Arctic  and  Subarctic rusticolus 

Prevailing  color  dark  ;  head  and  neck  darker  than  back.     Arctic  and  Subarctic   ....        r.  gyrjaleo 

Prevailing  color  blackish.     Labrador  and  Southward r.  ob.wletus 

Lanners :  Tarsus  feathered  J  way  down  in  front,  broadly  bare  behind  ;  longer  than  middle  toe  without  claw  : 

1st  quill  shorter  than  3d.     Medium  ;  grayish-brown  above  ;  sexes  alike mexicanus 

Peregrines :  Tarsus  feathered  but  a  little  way  down  in  front,  broadly  bare  behind  ;  not  longer  than  middle 
toe  without  claw  ;   1st  quill  not  shorter  than  3d.    Medium:  slaty-bluish  above  ;   sexes  alike.     (Rhynchodon.) 

The  ordinary  Duck  Hawk  of  N.  Am.         peregrinus  anatum 

The  dark  N.  W.  Coast  form p.  peatei 

Tarsus  scarcely  feathered  above,  with  the  plates  in  front  enlarged,  like  a  double  row  of  alternating  scutella  (and 
often  with  a  few  true  scutella  at  base) ;  2d  or  3d  primary  longest ;  1st  not  longer  than  4th  ;  1st  and  2d  emargmate 
on  inner  webs.     (Merlins,  Kestrels,  and  Hobbies.) 

Merlins :  Tarsus  scarcely  longer  than  middle  toe  without  claw.     Sexes  unlike  ;  young  of  both  like  adult  $ . 
Small ;  wing  7.50-8.50.     (jEsalon.I 
Tail  of  cf  with  not  more  than  4  dark  bands,  the  subterminal  one  broad,  or  5  light  ones. 

The  ordinary  Pigeon  Hawk  of  N.  Am columbnrius 

The  dark  N.  W   Coast  form c.  suckleyi 

Tail  of  (f  with  5  dark  and  6  light  bands.     Interior  N.  Am richardsoni 

Tail  of  (f  with  more  numerous  bands.     Straggler  from  Europe regulus 

Kestrels :  Tarsus  decidedly  longer  than  middle  toe  without  claw.     Sexes  very  unlike  at  all  ages.     Smallest : 
wing  7.00-7.50.     (Tinnunculus.) 
Under  parts  white  or  tawny  ,  back  rufous,  barred  $  or  plain  (f. 

The  ordinary  Sparrow  Hawk  of  N.  Am sparverius 

The  pale  desert  form  from  the  Southwest s.  deserticolus 

The  depauperate  peninsular  form  of  Lower  California y.  pemnsularis 

Under  parts  bulf ;  back  rufous,  barred  $  or  spotted  (f  with  black.     Straggler  from  Europe      tinnunculus 

Under  parts  rufous.     Florida,  a  straggler  from  the  West  Indies dominxcensis 

Hobbies:  Tarsus  longer  than  middle  toe  without  claw.     Sexes  alike  ;  young  little  different 

Medium;  wing  10.00  or  more.     (Rhynchofalco.)       Juscicwrulescens 

(Subgenus  Hierofalco  :  Gyrfalcons  or  Jerfalcons.) 

F.     (H.)     islan'dus.      (Lat. 

also  islandicus,  Icelaudic  or 
Icelandish  ;  the  word  does  not 
mean  "of  an  island,  insular," 
but  "of  Iceland,"  in  Skandi- 
naviau  Islandsk,  in  Icelandic 
Islenskr ;  from  the  name  of 
the  island,  iu  Skandinavian 
and  German  called  Island,  in 
Dutch  Ijsland,  from  iss,  ice, 
and  land,  land.)  White 
Gyrfalcox.  Iceland  Ger- 
falcon (in  part).  Green- 
land Gyrfalcon.  One  of 
the  largest  and  most  powerful 
of  the  Falconince.  Feet  very 
stout;  tarsus  rather  longer 
than  middle  toe  and  claw, 
Fig.  456.  —Prairie  Falcon,  §  nat.  size.     (From  life,  by  H.  W.  EUiott.)  feathered  fully  half-way  down 

in  front  and  on  the  sides,  with  only  a  narrow  bare  strip  behind  overlaid  by  the  feathers;  the  bare 
parts  reticulate  (not  scutellate).  Lateral  toes  of  about  equal  lengths,  without  the  claws,  one 
of  which  is  larger  than  the  other.     Wing  pointed  by  2d  quill,  supported  nearly  to  the  end  by 


FALCOXID.E—FALCONTN.E:   FALCONS. 


6G5 


Fig.     457.  —  A 
(From  Michelet.) 


'  noble  "     Falcon. 


the  3d,  the  1st  ratlier  shorter  than  3d,  and  alone  decidedly  einarginate  on  inner  web.     Adult 
^  9-  White  —  wiiite  as  a  Snowy  Owl.     Head  and  all  under  parts  iininacuLite  white,  or  with 

only  a  few  dark  touches  on  the  top  and  sides  of  the  head,  — - 

and  on  the  tianks  and  flags.  Back,  wings,  and  tail  white, 
more  or  less  profusely  marked  with  dusky  (slaty-black)  bars, 
crescents,  arrow-heads,  or  transverse  spots;  amount  of  these 
dark  markings  about  as  in  an  average  Snowy  Owl.  Bill 
bluisli,  darker  at  tip  ;  cere,  edges  of  eyelids,  and  feet  chrome- 
yellow  ;  claws  blue-black  ;  iris  brown.  Bill  and  claws  finally 
growing  whitish.  Length  of  ^  about  2'.2.00 ;  wing  14.00- 
15.00;  tail  9.00;  bill  0.9.5;  tarsus  2.40;  middle  toe  with- 
out claw  2.00.  9:  Length  about  23.50;  wing  15.50-10.50  ; 
tail  10.00.  Young:  Not  very  diflereut  from  tlie  adults; 
prevailing  color  still  white,  but  more  heavily  marked  with 
dark  brown,  tending  to  lengthwise  spots  on  both  upper  and 
under  parts.  The  e.\-treme  form  in  the  subgenus  Hierofalco, 
seeming  to  be  specifically  distinct  from  the  ne.xt,  in  general 
recognizable  at  a  glance,  though  some  puzzling  specimens 
occur;  of  circumpolar  distribution,  breeding  only  in  very  high 
latitudes:  range  in  America  from  Greenland  to  Behring  Sea, 
S.  irregularly  in  winter:  in  the  U.  S.  (except  Alaska)  only 
known  to  reach  nortliern  Maine  ;  in  Europe  reachiug  Ice- 
land frequently,  tiie  British  Islands  rarely.  Nest  on  cliffs; 
eggs  3-4,  about  2.30  X  I -HO,  with  the  whitish  ground  so 
heavily  overlaid  witli  ditferent  shades  of  reddish-brown  as  to 
ap])ear  almost  uniformly  of  that  color,  with  some  b(dder  spots  of  darker  brown.  It  is  unfortu- 
nate ttiat  the  white  j)olar  Gyrfalcon  was  first  described  from  and  named  for  the  island  of  Ice- 
land, which  is  not  its  home  ;   but  so  it  happened,  and  the  rectification  of  synonymy,  which  was 

in  a  state  of  dire  confusion  in  the  subgenus 
Hierofalco,  involves  an  entirely  "  new  deal  " 
in  the  names  of  the  two  species  (one  of  them 
with  two  subspecies)  which  were  correctly 
discriminated  under  other  names  in  the  2d- 
4th  eds.  of  the  Key:  see  Auk,  Apr.  18!?5, 
)i[).  184-188.  The  principal  synonymy  of 
the  present  species  is:  Gerfdiilt  yyrfalco 
Biiiss.  i.  1760,  i>.  370,  pi.  30,  fig.  2.     F. 

Fio.   4r,8.  —  Pereprine   Falcon,  greatly    reduced.     (From      ixhoulus    BlU'NN.    Oril.    Bor.   17(j4,  J).   2,  in- 
Tenney,  alter  Wilson.)  eluding  this  species  and  the  uext  one.      F. 

islfoulus  Fahric.  Kij.  Groenl.  1780,  p.  58,  proi>erly  restricted  to  the  present  sin^cies.  /•'. 
gyrfulco  Boon.  Tabl.  1783,  ]>.  20,  based  on  V\.  Enliim.  No.  440.  F.  tslandiis,  vars.  tilbus  and 
macitlatus  G.M.  1788,  j).  271,  and  /•'.  candicans,  ]>.  275.  the  latter  being  tlie  name  which  most 
authors  have  used,  including  mystdf.  F.  iskmdicKs  Lath.  Ind.  Orn.  i,  I7!»0,  p.  '.^2  \  figured 
uinler  this  name  by  AtniliON,  folio  pi.  ;l(i(j,  o<'tavo  pi.  11>.  F.  (jrn'tdnndicns  TruT.  Sy.>it. 
Nat.  i,  1800,  ]i.  147.  Fulco  {llieroffdcu)  gijrfidco  s-.w.  atudiani.<  Kiuiav.  in  Baiud,  Bhf.w. 
and  Kii)(;\v.  Hist.  N.  .\.  B.  iii.  l.-'74.  ]>.  108.  llieroftdco  holhoclli  Siiaupk.  Cat.  B.  Brit.  Mus. 
i.  b-71.  pi  |;{_,,pp(r  ti-.  .mly.  It  is  Kid.iw.  No.  412,  C.rKS.  No.  :>{)].  \.  O.  V.  N-.  :r,.'{. 
K  (H.)  rusti'eoliis.  (LiniiMMn  Latin,  iin-aiiin^  a  countryman,  a  rustic;  tin-  ju-tiprr  Lat. 
w'MiliI  be  ntricotii,  fmni  nts,  i;rnitivc  nais,  antl  valeir,  to  inhabit  ;  inmla,  an  inhabitant.) 
Linn;eus  uses  a  like  tnrm  of  tlic  wnnl  fur   the  Won.icock,  which   he  called  Sioltijxix  rusticolu 


666  SYSTEMATIC   SYNOPSIS. —RAPTORES  — ACCIPITRES. 

instead  of  ruricola.  There  is,  however,  the  good  Lat.  rusticns,  rustic,  rural,  and  rusticari,  to 
rusticate,  live  iu  the  country.)  Gray  Gvrfalcon.  Iceland  Gyrfalcon  (in  part).  Form 
strictly  as  in  the  preceding.  Adult  ,$  9  '■  Not  white,  but  gray,  with  darker  markings.  Above, 
pale  bluish-gray,  with  dark  bars,  crescents,  or  transverse  spots  in  about  equal  amounts  or 
rather  in  excess,  on  the  back,  wdngs  and  tail,  but  on  the  head  and  hind  neck  the  light  color 
prevailing  ;  crown  thus  decidedly  lighter  than  back,  owing  to  amount  of  white  or  whitish 
streaking  (reverse  of  the  case  in  the  next  subspecies).  Bars  of  tail  well  marked,  the  light  ones 
gray  or  grayish-white,  especially  the  terminal  one,  the  dark  ones  slate-gray,  each  about  as 
broad  as  the  other.  Under  parts  white,  in  tone  decidedly  lighter  than  the  upper  parts,  being 
moderately  striped,  streaked,  or  spotted  with  the  dark  color  of  the  back  on  the  sides,  flanks, 
flags,  and  crissum,  the  latter  never  immaculate;  slight  dark  mustaches;  cere,  eyelids  and  feet 
yellowish  ;  bill  bluish,  yellow  at  base  ;  iris  dark  brown  ;  bill  and  feet  never  whitening.  Size  not 
appreciably  different  from  that  of  the  foregoing  ;  same  difference  between  the  sexes.  Young: 
Lacking  distinct  cross-bars  on  the  upper  parts,  where  the  color  is  dark,  with  merely  lighter 
edgings  of  the  feathers,  and  some  spotting  with  whitish,  often  of  a  butfy  shade,  on  the  back, 
wing-coverts,  and  outer  webs  of  the  quills.  No  bars  or  transverse  dark  markings  on  the 
lower  parts,  where  the  dusky  appears  in  lengthwise  streaks  of  variable  size  and  number, 
usually  narrower  than  the  light  ground  color.  Bill,  cere,  eyelids,  and  feet  colored  much  alike, 
not  yellow  or  whitish.  This  is  the  stock-form  of  the  subgenus  Hierofalco  ;  it  cannot  be  mis- 
taken for  the  foregoing,  in  any  plumage,  but  is  very  near  the  next,  often  hardly  distinguish- 
able. The  best  mark  is :  Head  and  neck  lighter  than  the  l)ack  in  this  typical  form  ;  head  and 
neck  darker  than  the  back  in  gyrfalco.  True  rusticolus  inhabits  tlie  Arctic  regions  of  Europe, 
Asia,  and  America,  including  Iceland  and  southern  portions  of  Greenland,  breeding  throughout 
such  range,  and  coming  irregularly  S.  iu  winter  to  the  N.  border  of  the  U.  S. ;  it  nests  on  cliflFs, 
like  the  White  Gyrfalcon,  and  the  eggs  are  indistinguishable.  Following  is  its  synonymy,  in 
part :  Gerfault  (Vlslande,  Gyrfalco  islandicus  Briss.  Orn.  i,  1760,  p.  733,  pi.  31.  Falco  rus- 
ticolus LiXN.  S.  N.  10th  ed.  X,  17.58,  p.  88;  12th  ed.  17GG,  p.  125  ;  Fabric.  Fn.  Groenl.  1780, 
p.  55;  Gm.  S.  N.  1788,  p.  2G8 ;  Lath.  Ind.  Orn.  i,  1790,  p.  28.  F.  islandus  Brunn.  Orn. 
Bor.  1764,  p.  2,  including  this  species  and  the  foregoing  one ;  Gm.  S.  N.  i,  1788,  p.  271  ; 
Hierofalco  islandus  Sharpe,  Cat.  B.  Brit.  Mus.  i,  1874,  p.  414.  F.fuscus  Fabric.  Fn.  Groenl. 
1780,  p.  56.  F.  gyrfalco  Bodd.  Tabl.  1783,  p.  13,  based  on  PI.  Enlum.  No.  210.  F.  can- 
dicans  var.  islandicus  Gm.  S.  N.  1788,  p.  275.  F.  islandicus  Daudin,  Orn.  ii,  1800,  p.  100, 
and  of  most  authors,  including  myself.  F.  groenlandicus  Daudin,  Orn.  ii,  1800,  p.  127.  F. 
arcticus  HolboU.  Zeitschr.  Ges.  Nat.  iii,  1854,  p.  426.  F.  holboelU  Sharpe,  P.  Z.  S.  1873, 
p.  415,  and  Hierofalco  holboelU  Sharpe,  Cat.  B.  Brit.  Mus.  i,  1874,  p.  415,  at  least  in  part. 
F.  sacer  var.  islandicus  Coues,  Key,  1872,  p.  213.  Falco  (Hierofalco)  gyrfalco  var.  islandicus 
RiDGW^.  in  Bd.  Brew,  and  Ridgw.  Hist.  N.  A.  B.  iii,  1874,  p.  108.  F.  gyrfalco-candicans  and 
F.  eandicans-gyrfalco,  Seebohm,  Brit.  B.  i,  1883,  p.  16.  —  This  species  is  Ridgw.  No.  412  o, 
Coues,  No.  500,  A.  0.  U.  No.  3.54 

F.  (H.)  r.  gyrfalco.  (Gyrfalcon  is  tlie  worst,  gerfalcon  the  better,  jerfalcon  the  best,  spelling 
of  the  name,  if  we  regard  the  etymology  of  the  word,  which  was  formerly  in  English  also  ger- 
faidcon,  gerfaucon,  gerfawcon,  jerfaucon,  gierfalcon,  girefaucon,  gyrfacoim,  gerfauTc,  etc.,  with 
many  identical  or  similar  forms  in  other  European  languages  :  see  the  list  given  nwAe.y  gerfalcon 
in  the  Century  Dictionary,  where  it  is  stated  that  the  first  element  of  the  word  is  not  connected 
with  Lat.  gyrus,  a  gyration,  circle,  but  with  German  geier,  greedy.  The  wlicde  M^ord  is  identical 
with  the  Lat.  hierofalco,  now  the  technical  subgeneric  name,  meaning  literally  "  sacred  falcon," 
from  Gr.  Upoi,  hieros,  sacred,  and  Lat.  falco,  a  falcon  ;  adapted  from  Gr.  Upa^,  hierax,  a  falcon, 
now  the  technical  name  of  another  genus  of  jPafcomc^rt;.)  Brown  Gyrfalcon.  American 
(and  European)  Continental  Gyrfalcon.  Norwegian  Gyrfalcon.  Closely  resem- 
bling the  last,  and  the  distinctimi  not  very  apparent ;  darker,  age  for  age,  than  the  foregoing ; 


FA L CONID.E  —  FA LCONIN.E :   FA L CONS.  667 

top  of  head  and  back  of  neck  darker  instead  of  lighter  tlian  other  upper  parts,  the  crown  often 
plain  dusky  ;  barring  of  back  and  wing-coverts  indistinct,  the  dark  there  prevailing  over  the 
light  markings ;  under  ])arts  never  whitey  tliroughout,  much  obscured  witli  gray,  and  heavily 
marked  with  blackish  on  the  sides,  flanks,  flags,  and  crissum ;  lieavy  blackish  moustaches ; 
tail  closely  barred  with  light  and  dark  bands  of  about  equal  widths.  J  wing  13.50-14.50 ; 
tail  8.50-9.50 ;  9  wing  15.00-1  (5.00;  tail  9.00-10.00;  dimensions  thus  not  distinctive.  Young 
darker  than  the  adults  ;  at  an  early  stage,  some  of  the  light  markings  tmgcd  with  ochraceous. 
This  is  the  ordinary  Gerfalcon  of  continental  America,  also  found  in  Greenland,  and  in- 
separable from  that  of  continental  Europe;  it  inhabits  Arctic  America  from  Labrador  to  Alaska 
(probably  never  reaching  as  high  latitudes  as  islandus)  in  the  breeding  season,  and  ranges 
freely  S.  in  winter  over  the  border  of  the  U.  S.,  sometimes  reaching  southern  New  England, 
the  Middle  States,  Kansas,  etc.  It  abounds  in  its  summer  home,  mostly  N.  of  kit.  65°,  where 
it  breeds,  and  preys  on  hares,  Grouse,  Ptarmigan,  Ducks,  Auks,  etc.  The  nest  is  built  in  a  tree 
or  on  a  cliff",  indiff"erently,  of  sticks,  twigs,  mosses,  grasses,  feathers,  etc,  and  the  eggs  are  laid 
from  the  middle  of  May  to  that  of  June;  eggs  3-4,  with  the  usual  variation  in  size,  shape, 
and  color,  indistinguishable  from  those  of  other  Gerfalcons;  they  range  from  2.25  to  2.50  long 
X  1-70  to  1.90  broad,  and  are  usually  heavily  colored  with  reddish  and  brownish  pigments  in 
interminable  variation,  to  an  extent  which  almost  entirely  hides  the  ground  color.  Principal 
synonyms:  F.  gi/rfaJco  Linn.  S.  N.  10th  ed.  1758,  ]).  91  ;  12th  ed.  1766,  p.  130,  and  of  most 
authors.  F.  sacer  Forster,  Philos.  Trans.  Ixii,  1772,  p.  382.  F.  sacer,  var.  /3,  Gm.  S.  N. 
1788,  p.  273  (from  Forster).  F.  sacer  Cassin,  IJ.  Cal.  1853,  p.  89,  in  part  (includes  islandus, 
as  above,  and  lahradora.  as  below  ;  excludes  rusticolus,  as  above).  F.  sacer  var.  gyrfalco 
COUES,  Key,  1872,  p.  213.  Falco  (Hierofalco)  gyrfalco,  var.  sacer  and  var.  gyrfalco  Ridgw. 
in  Bd.  Brew,  and  IIidgw.  Hist.  X.  A.  B.  iii,  1874,  pp.  108,  115.  F.  sacer  Coues,  Key, 
2d  ed.  1884,  p.  532,  name  restricted  to  the  present  subspecies.  F.  rusticolus  gyrfalco  Stej. 
Auk,  Apr.  1885,  p.  187.  —  This  subspecies  is  Ridgw.  No.  412  h,  Coues  No.  498,  A.  0.  U. 
No.  354  a. 

F.  (H.)  r.  obsole'tus.  (Lat.  ohsoletus,  unwonted  ;  obsolete,  as  the  pattern  of  coloration  is  in 
this  case.)  Black  Gvrfalcon.  Labrador  Gyrfalcon.  A  dark  phase  of  the  last,  al- 
most entirely  dusky,  the  usual  markings  nearly  obliterated;  from  the  foggy  coast  of  Labradoi, 
where  it  breeds  on  cliff's,  .S.  in  winter  to  New  England  and  New  York.  In  extreme  cases  it  is 
quite  black,  unmarked.  There  is  no  difference  in  measurements,  and  the  eggs  are  indistin- 
guishable. I  suspect  the  truth  to  be,  in  respect  to  all  the  Gyrfalcons,  that  there  is  but  a  single 
circumpolar  species  ;  that  with  specimens  enough  an  uninterrupted  series  could  be  established 
connecting  tlie  blackest  "  ohsoletus"  with  the  whitest  "  caudicans  ''  ;  and  that  the  races  which 
most  ornith(dogists  recognize,  are  not  coincident  with  geographical  areas.  F.  holboelli  of  Mr. 
Sharpe  appears  to  be  somewhat  of  a  connecting  link  between  the  two  species  now  generally 
considered  distinct.  But  I  defer  in  this  case  to  those  who  have  formed  the  contrary  opinion, 
upon  further  investigation  of  the  subject  than  I  have  made.  F.  ohsoletus,  G\n.  Syst.  Nat.  1788, 
p.  268.  F.  labr((dora,  Aud.  f(dio  jd.  196,  ])ub.  about  1834.  Falco  (Hierofalco)  sacer,  var. 
labradora  Ridgw.  in  Bd.  Buew.  and  Hidgw.  Hist.  N.  A.  li.  iii,  1874,  p.  108  and  p.  117. 
F.  sacer  ohsoletus  CouE.s,  Key,  2d  ed.  1884,  p.  532.  F.  rusticolus  ohsoletus  Stej.  Auk,  1885, 
p.  187.     Ridgw.  No.  412  c,  Coues,  No.  499,  A.  0.  U.  No.  354  b. 

F.  (H.)  mexica'nus.  (Liit.  vie.vicanus, 'Slcxk-a.n.  Figs.  456,  459.)  American  Laxxeu  Fal- 
con. Prairie  Falcon.  A  medium-sized  species,  distinguished  from  any  Gyrfalcon  by  smaller 
size,  different  feathering  of  tarsus,  etc.;  from  the  Hnck  Hawk  by  mnch  lighter  c<dor,  which  is 
dull  brownisii  above  instead  of  dark  slate,  etc.  Adult  ^  9-  I'i>pi'i'  parts  l)rownish  drab,  each 
feather  with  a  paler  border  of  brown,  grayish,  or  whitish;  top  of  head  more  uniform,  occiput 
and  nape  showing  more  whitish.  Under  parts  white,  everywiiere  excepting  tui  throat  marked 
with  firm  spots  of  dark  brown,  most  linear  on  breast,  then  more  broadly  oval  on  belly,  enlarg- 


668 


5 VS TEMA  TIC   S YNOPSIS.  —RAP TORES  —  A  CCIPI TRES. 


ing  and  tending  to  merge  into  bars  on  tlanks,  very  sparse  or  obsolete  on  crissuni,  in  maxillary 
region  forming  a  broad  firm  moustache ;  these  markings  corresponding  with  ground  color  of 
upper  parts.     Primaries  ashy-brown,  with  narrow  but  firm  pale  edging  of  outer  webs  and  ends  ; 

inner  webs  regularly  marked  with 
white  in  form  of  barred  indents 
or  circumscribed  spots,  most  nu- 
merous and  regular  on  the  outer 
few  primaries ;  the  white  tinged 
with  fulvous,  next  to  the  shafts ; 
outer  web  of  1st  primary  either 
plain,  or  with  whitish  indents  as 
in  lanarius;  outer  webs  of  sec- 
ondaries more  or  less  marked 
with  fulvous ;  axillars  plain  dark 
brown  ;  lining  of  wings  otherwise 
white,  spotted  with  dark  brown. 
Tail  pale  brownish-gray,  nearly 
uniform,  but  with  white  tip,  and 
more  or  less  distinct  barring  or 
indenting  with  whitish,  especially 
on  lateral  feathers,  producing  a 
pattern  not  unlike  that  of  pri- 
maries. Bill  mostly  dark  bluish 
horn-color,  but  its  base,  and  much 
of  under  mandible,  yellow ;  feet 
yellow.  Young  birds  have  more 
fulvous  in  the  dark  ground  of  the 
upper  parts;  are  more  heavily 
spotted  below,  and  the  white  is 
there  tinged  with  buff  or  ochrey; 
feet  plumbeous.  Size  very  vari- 
able :  $  about  18.00 ;  extent 
40.00;  wing  12.00-13.00;  tail 
7.00-8.00;  tarsus  about  2.00; 
middle  toe  witliout  claw  about 
the  same ;  chtird  of  culmen,  in- 
cluding cere,  1.00.  9  larger: 
wing  13.00-14.00 ;  tail  8.00-9.00.  etc,  A  noble  species,  representing  the  Old  World  Lanner 
and  Jugger,  abundant  in  western  U.  S.,  especially  on  the  Plains;  E.  occasionally  to  Illi- 
nois; S.  into  Mexico.  I  have  traced  it  from  Montana  at  lat.  49°  to  Arizona  and  8.  California, 
and  found  it  very  numerous  in  Wyoming,  where  it  is  the  characteristic  species  of  its  genus. 
In  the  region  first  named  it  was  nesting  on  cliffs,  and  such  is  its  wont  everywhere,  in  the 
woodless  regions  it  inhabits,  where  the  faces  of  cut  banks  of  streams,  generally  precipitous  and 
often  of  great  height,  are  the  ordinary  resorts  for  nidification  for  Eagles,  Ferruginous  and 
Swainson's  Buzzards,  and  various  other  Birds  of  Prey;  in  forested  country,  however,  the  Lanner 
will  sometimes  take  to  a  tree.  The  breeding  season  is  mostly  April  and  May,  but  extends 
from  March  to  June.  Eggs  3-5,  from  2.05  to  2.25  X  1-55  to  1.65,  white  or  creamy-whitish, 
irregularly  but  usually  thickly  clouded,  mottled,  and  blotched  with  reddish-brown;  often 
with  a  purplish  shade ;  thus  indistinguishable  from  those  of  related  species.  (F.  pohjagrus 
Cass.) 


Fig.  450.  —Lanner  Falcon,    ',  nat.  .sizi- ;  not   distingiiislialile  in  the  cut 
from  the  Prairie  Falcon.     (From  Brehm.) 


FALCOXID.E  —  FALCON  IN Ji: ;   FALCONS. 


669 


(Subgenus  Rhyxchodon:  Peregrines.) 

F.  (R.)  peregrinus  an'atum.  (U\t.  j^eregrinus,  wandering  ;  atiatum,  genitive  plural  of  anas, 
a  duck.  Fig.  4G0.)  Ameuican  Peregrine  Falcon.  DuckHa\yk.  Great-footed  Hawk. 
A  medium-sized  Falcon,  about  as  large  as  the  foregoing,  but  kuinvu  at  a  glance  from  any  bird 
of  N.  Am.  by  slaty-plumbeous  or  dark  bluish-ash  of  upper  parts,  black  "moustache,"  and 
other  marks,  taken  with  its  particular  size  and  shape.  Wings  stiff,  long,  thin,  pointed  by  'Zd 
quill,  supported  nearly  to  its  tip  by  1st  and  8.1;  1st  alone  abrui)tly  emarginate  on  inner  web, 
about  2  inches  from  tip  ;  none  cut  on  outer  webs.  Tomium  of  upper  mandible  strongly  toothed, 
of  under  mandible  deeply  notched.     Tarsus  feathered  but  a  little  way  down  in  front,  otherwise 


Fig.  400.  -  Peregrine  Falcon,  or  Duck  Hawk,  i  nat.  size.     (From  Urehm.) 

entirely  reticulate;  toes  very  long,  giving  great  grasp  to  tlie  talons.  Adult  S  9  :  Above,  rich 
dark  bluisli-ash  or  slate-coh.r,  —  very  variable,  sometimes  quite  slaty-blackish,  again  much 
lighter  bhiish-slate;  the  tint  pretty  uniform,  wliatevcr  it  may  be,  over  all  upper  parts,  but  all 
tlie  featliers  with  somewhat  paler  e.iges,  ami  the  larger  ones  for  the  m..st  part  ..bscurely  barred 
with  liglit.'r  an.l  darker  hues.  Under  parts  at  large  varying  from  nrarly  i-.uv  white  to  a  peculiar 
muddy^.utf  c.dor  of  ditt-.'rent  de-rers  ..f  intensity  ;  thn.at  and  breast  usually  frc  fro.n  markings 
(or  only  with  a  few  sharp  sliaft-penciUings) ;  this  white  ..r  light  coh.r  mounting  .m  auricnlars, 
so  that  it  partly  isolates  a  blackish  moustache  from  blackish  of  si.h'  of  head;  under  parts,  ex- 
cept as  said,  inclu.ling  under  wing-  and  tail-ci.verts.  closely  and  n^irularly  barred,  ..r  l.-ss  closely 
and  more  irregularly  spotted,  with  bla.-kisli ;  bars  best  pronounced  on  Hanks,  tibi:e,  and  cnssum, 


670  SYSTEMATIC  SYNOPSIS. —RAPTORES  — ACCIPITRES. 

other  parts  tending  to  spotting,  which  may  extend  forward  to  invade  breast  (this  is  the  rule  in 
European  birds,  or  true  2ieregrinus ;  the  exception,  though  not  a  rare  one,  in  American  birds, 
of  the  subspecies  anatiim).  Tail  and  its  upper  coverts  regularly  and  closely  barred  with  black- 
ish and  ashy-gray,  the  interspacing  best  marked  on  inner  webs,  and  all  the  feathers  narrowly 
tipped  with  white  or  whitish.  Primaries  uniform  blackish  on  their  exposed  surfaces,  but  on 
inner  webs  marked  with  numerous  regular  and  close-set  spots  of  white,  whitish,  or  muddy  buff, 
for  the  most  part  isolated  within  the  webs,  but  on  inner  primaries  and  secondaries,  and  toward 
bases  of  all,  becoming  or  tending  to  become  bars  reacliing  edge  of  feather.  Bill  blue-black; 
cere  and  much  of  base  of  bill  yellow  ;  feet  yellow ;  claws  blackish.  Size  very  variable ;  length 
of  a  good-sized  9  I'J.OO;  extent  45.00;  wing  14.50;  tail  7.00.  ^  averaging  smaller;  wing 
12.50;  tail  6.00;  a  usual  range,  sex  not  considered,  is,  wing  11.50-14.00;  tail  6.00-8.00; 
tarsus  1.75-2.10;  middle  toe  without  claw  rather  more.  Young:  Eecognizably  similar  to 
adults  in  general  characters  ;  not  barred  below,  but  there  more  or  less  extensively  and  heavily 
streaked  lengtliwise ;  upper  parts  brownish  or  blackish,  in  either  case  without  the  glaucous 
bloom  and  appearance  of  transverse  markings  which  the  adults  show,  the  variegation  being 
chiefly  in  light  gray  or  rusty  edgings  of  individual  feathers.  This  Falcon  is  the  central  figure 
in  the  whole  genus,  and  in  one  or  another  of  its  geographical  guises  is  cosmopolitan;  it  is  uni- 
versally but  irregularly  distributed  in  N.  Am.,  scarcely  to  be  considered  common  anywhere; 
breeds  S.  to  S.  Carolina  on  the  Atlantic  side,  still  farther  S.  in  the  West,  usually  in  mountainous 
regions ;  nests  on  cliffs,  niches  of  "  cut  banks,"  or  in  hollows  in  high  trees ;  eggs  usually  3-4, 
2.00  to  2.25  X  1-50  to  1.70,  averaging  about  2.10  X  1-65 ;  white  or  whitish,  spotted,  blotched, 
wreathed,  clouded,  etc.,  with  reddish-browns,  from  chocolate  or  even  purplish  to  the  ochres; 
they  are  in  general  so  heavily  and  uniformly  pigmented  as  to  hide  the  ground  color,  and  aver- 
age among  the  darkest  eggs  of  our  Falconidce;  they  are  mostly  laid  in  April  and  May,  but 
the  season  extends  through  June  in  high  latitudes.  The  Peregrine  is  a  bird  of  noted  prowess, 
habitually  striking  a  quarry  as  large  as  itself  or  larger,  as  Grouse,  Ducks,  Herons,  hares,  etc. 
F.  (K.)  p.  peal'ei.  (To  Titian  R.  Peale.)  Peale's  Peregrine.  A  dark  form,  described 
from  the  N.  W.  coast.  Adults  with  upper  parts  dark  .slate-color ;  top  of  head  like  back;  breast 
heavily  spotted  with  blackish,  and  broad  dusky  bars  on  other  under  ]iarts.  Young  without 
rusty  margins  of  upper  parts,  the  lower  sooty  blackish,  streaked  with  pale  buff.  Pacific  Coast 
region  from  Oregon  to  the  Aleutian  and  Commander  islands,  breeding  throughout  this  range. 
Queried  as  a  subspecies  in  2d-4th  eds.  of  the  Key,  p.  536,  but  probably  entitled  to  recognition 
as  such,  like  the  dark  local  I'aces  of  this  region  in  many  other  cases.  Falco  eommimis  var, 
pealei  Ridgvv^.  Bull.  Essex  Inst,  v,  Dec.  1873,  p.  201 ;  Bd.  Brew,  and  RinoAV.  Hist.  N.  A, 
Birds,  iii,  1874,  p.  129;  F.  peregrinus  piealei  Ridgw.  Proc  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.  iii,  Aug.  1880, 
p.  192;  A.  0.  U.  Lists,  1st  and  2d  eds.  1886  and  1895,  No.  356  a. 

(^Subgenus  ^ salon:  Merlins.) 

F.  (2E..)  columba'rius.     (Lat.  columbarius,  a  pigeon-fancier.     Fig.  461.)     Pigeon  Hawk 

(a  name  also  applied  to  Accipiter  fusciis).  Smaller  than  any  of  the  foregoing;  about  size  of 
Aceipiter  fuscus,  but  much  stouter  and  differently  proportioned.  Tarsus  mostly  with  a  double 
row  of  alternating  scutella  in  front,  feathered  but  a  little  way  down ;  middle  toe  without  claw 
nearly  as  long  as  tarsus.  Tail  about  §  the  wings,  lightly  rounded.  Wings  pointed  by  2d  and 
3d  quills,  1st  about  equal  to  4th;  1st  and  2d  emarginate  on  inner  webs  near  end;  2d  and 
3d  sinuate  on  outer  webs.  Sexes  unlike;  old  ^  bluish  above,  ?  and  young  dark  there. 
Old  (^  :  Above,  some  shade  of  bluish,  from  pale  bluish-gray  or  bluish-ash  to  dark  bluish- 
slate,  each  feather  pencilled  with  a  fine  black  shaft-line.  Tail  banded  with  color  of  upper 
parts  and  black,  the  subterminal  black  band  broadest,  all  subject  to  much  variation;  tail 
tijtped  with  white.     Primaries  blackish,  witli  lighter  edges  or  tijis,  and  numerous  oval  trans- 


FALCON ID.E  —  FALCONIN.E:   FALCONS. 


671 


verse  spots  of  white  or  whitish  on  inner  webs;  outer  webs  often  showing  traces  of  ashy 
markiui^s;  a  similar  pattern  continued  on  secondaries.  Under  parts  wliite,  or  whitish,  gener- 
ally pure  and  immaculate  on  throat,  elsewhere  tinged  with  tawny  or  ochraceous,  almost  every- 
where longitudinally  streaked  witli  dark  umber-brttwn  ;  the  individual  streaks  very  variable  in 
size  and  distinctness,  generally  blackish-shafted,  as  a  rule  heavy  and  thick  on  breast,  more 
strict  on  flags  and  vent,  changing  to  spots  or  even  bars  on  flanks;  these  latter  markings 
sometimes  involved  in  a  bluish  clouding.  Side  of  head  with  fine  dark  pencilling  on  a  light  or 
whitish  ground,  not  gathered  into  a  maxillary  stripe,  but  C(.)alescing  on  ear-coverts;  a  })retty 
well-defined  light  superciliary  streak ;  markings  of  side  of  head  confluent  on  nape,  forming  a 
nuchal  band  which  interrupts  continuity  of  color  of  upper  parts.  Iris  brown;  feet  yellow; 
claws  and  most  of  bill  bluish-black;  cere  and  base  of  bill  greenish-yellow.  This  plumage  is 
comparatively  seldom  seen.     Length  about  11.00;  extent  about  23.50;  wing  7.50-8.00;  tail 


Fig.  4(51.  — Pigeon  Hawk. 

5.00-5.50;  tarsus  1..35;  middle  toe  without  claw  1.25.  Adult  9  »  ''^i"l  specimens  of  either  sex, 
as  usually  observed:  Pattern  of  coloration  as  before,  but  ujijier  parts  and  tail  quite  ditterent. 
Above,  the  blui.sh  shade  replaced  by  dark  umber-brown,  nearly  uniform,  or  only  interrupted  by 
the  nuchal  band  of  streaks,  but  feathers  usually  with  ap[»reciahly  paler  edges  and  black  sliaft- 
lines,  the  latter  especially  on  head.  Tail  like  back,  and  tipped  with  white,  and  crosse<l  by 
about  4  other  narrow  whiti.sh  or  light  ochraceous  bauds,  formed  of  bars  or  transverse  spots  on 
both  webs  of  the  feathers  ;  uppermost  of  these  bands  lying  under  the  coverts;  generally  only  3 
exposed  ones,  besides  the  terminal  one;  intervenintj  dark  zones  all  of  about  the  same  width, 
say  1.00,  hut  subterrninal  one  usually  rather  wider  than  the  others.  Pattern  of  quill- 
feathers  as  in  ^ ,  but  spots  rather  tawny  or  fulvous  than  whitish.  Under  parts  as  l)efore,  but 
ground  color  ranixiui;  from  nearly  white  to  ([uite  rich  buff  or  even  fulvous,  and  showiui,'  a  wiile 
range  of  variation  in  heaviue.ss  of  streaking.  Leni^th  of  9  about  12.50;  extent  almut  20.50 ; 
wing  8.00-ri.50;  tail  5..">(>  (I.OO.      In  quite  young  birds.  eiiiiinL's  <if  f.itli.r-  t>f  upper  parts  may 


672 


S YS TEMA  TIC  S  YNOPSIS.  —  RA  P TORES  —  A  CCIPI TRES. 


be  tawny  or  rufous.  A  spirited  little  Falcon,  generally  distributed  in  N.  Am.,  common,  repre- 
sentine  the  Merlin  t)f  Europe,  F.  regidm.  Nests  chiefly  nortlierly,  on  branches  or  in  holes  in 
trees,  or  on  rocks,  April-June;  eggs  commonly  4  or  5,  ranging  in  size  and  shape  from  1.50 
to  1.80  X  1-25,  some  being  subspherical,  others  elongate-oval.     The  coloration  ranges  from 


Fig.  4G2.  —  American  Sparrow  Hawk. 

nearly  uniform  deep  rich  brown  (chestnut  or  burnt  sienna)  to  whitish  or  white,  only  marked 
with  a  few  in.listinct  dots  of  dull  grayish  or  drab.  Such  extremes  are  connected  by  every 
degree;  a  yellowisli-brown  ground-color,  irregularly  splashed  with  rich  ruddy  brown,  is  the 
usual  style.     The  markings  may  be  very  evenly  distributed,  or  mostly  gathered  in  a  wreath 


FA LCOXID.E  —FAL CONIX.E :  FA L CONS.  673 

around  one  or  the  other  end,  or  even  both  ends.     The  quarry  is  chieHy  birds,  even  up  to  the 
size  of  a  Ptarmigan. 

F.  {JE.)  c.  suck'leyi.  (To  Dr.  Geo.  Suckley.)  Suckley's  Pigeon  Hawk.  Black  Meki.in. 
Size  of  the  last;  general  coloration  blackish;  thn.at  of  $  streaked  with  black,  the  rest  of 
lower  surface  brownish-black  with  tawny  and  whitish  markings;  lower  parts  of  adult  ?  and 
young  $  heavily  marked  with  dusky.  Barring  or  spotting  of  wings  indistinct  or  (dis(dete,  also 
of  tail  in  9  ,  exx-ept  the  terminal  liglit  tail-bar.  N.  W.  coast  region,  N.  California  to  S.  Alaska, 
and  E.  in  Oregon  and  Wasiiington.  A  dark  form  of  F.  columbarias,  formerly  queried  in  Key,  l)Ut 
wliicli  has  proved  entitled  to  subspecitic  recognition.  Falco  columharius  var.  siicklei/i  Riuow. 
Bull.  Essex  Inst,  v,  Dec.  1873,  p.  201  ;  A.  0.  U.  Lists,  1st  and  2d  eds.  1886  and  1895,  No.  .'J57  a; 
F.  lithofako  var.  suckleyi,  Bu.  Brew,  and  Ridgw.  Hist.  N.  A.  B.  iii,  1874,  p.  143. 
F.  (>E.)  rich'ardsoiii.  (To  Sir  J.  Richardson.)  Richardson's  PiGEOX  Hawk.  American 
Merlin.  "Adult  ^  :  Upper  plumage,  dull  eartli-brown,  eacii  feather  grayish-umber  centrally, 
and  with  a  conspicuous  black  shaft-line.  Head  above,  approaching  ashy-white  anteriorly,  tlie 
black  shaft-streaks  being  very  conspicuous.  Secondaries,  primary-coverts,  and  primaries,  mar- 
gined terminally  with  dull  white ;  the  primary-coverts  with  two  transverse  series  of  pale  ochra- 
ceous  spots;  primaries,  with  spots  of  the  same,  corresponding  with  those  of  the  inner  webs. 
Upper  tail-coverts,  tipped  and  spotted  beneath  the  surface  with  wliite.  Tail,  clear  drab,  much 
lighter  than  the  primaries,  but  growing  darker  terminally,  having  basally  a  slightly  ashy  cast, 
crossed  with  six  sharply  defined  perfectly  continuous  bands  (the  last  terminal)  of  ashy-white. 
Head  frontally,  laterally,  and  beneath  —  a  collar  round  the  nape  (interrupting  the  brown  above) 
—  and  entire  lower  parts,  white,  somewhat  ochraceous,  this  most  perceptible  on  the  tibiae; 
cheeks  and  ear-coverts  with  sparse,  fine,  hair-like  streaks  of  black ;  nuchal  collar,  jugulum, 
bre.ist,  abdomen,  sides,  and  tiauks  with  a  median  linear  stripe  of  clear  ochre-brown  on  each 
feather  ;  these  stripes  broadest  on  tlie  Hanks  ;  each  stripe  with  a  conspicuous  black  shaft-streak  ; 
tibiae  and  lower  tail-coverts  with  fine  shaft -streaks  of  brown,  like  the  broader  stripes  of  the  other 
portions.  Chin,  and  throat,  only,  immaculate.  Lining  of  the  wings  spotted  with  ochraceous- 
white  and  brown,  in  about  equal  amount,  the  former  in  spots  approaching  the  shaft.  Inner 
webs  of  i)rimaries  with  transverse  broad  bars  of  pale  ochraceous  —  eight  on  the  longest.  Wing 
7.70;  tail  .").00;  cuhnen  0.50;  tarsus  1.30;  middle  toe  1.25;  outer  0.85;  inner  0.70;  posterior 
0..50.  Adult  9  :  Differing  in  coloration  from  the  male  only  in  the  points  of  detail.  Ground- 
color of  the  upper  parts  clear  grayish-drab,  the  feathers  with  conspicuously  black  shafts;  all 
the  feathers  with  pairs  of  rather  indistinct  rounded  ochraceous  spots,  these  most  conspicuous  on 
the  wings  and  scapulars.  Secondaries  crossed  with  three  bands  of  deeper,  more  reddish-ochra- 
ceous.  Bands  of  the  tail,  pure  white.  In  other  respects  e.vactly  like  the  male.  Wing  t>.00; 
tail  6.10;  culmen  0.55;  tarsus  1.40;  middle  toe  1.50;  Young  $  :  Differing  from  the  adult  only 
in  degree.  Upper  surface  with  the  rusty  borders  of  the  feathers  more  washed  over  the  general 
surface;  the  rusty  ochracectus  forming  the  ground-coh)r  of  the  head,  —  paler  anteriorly,  where 
tile  black  shaft-streaks  are  very  conspicuous;  spots  on  the  primary  coverts  and  priuiaries  deep 
reddish  ochraceous;  tail-bands  broader  than  in  the  adult  and  more  reddish  ;  the  terminal  one 
twice  as  broad  as  the  rest  (0.40  of  an  inch),  and  almo.«<t  cream  color.  Beneath  pale  ochraceous. 
tliis  deepest  on  the  breast  and  sides;  markings  as  in  \\\i'  adult,  but  anal  region  and  lower  tail- 
coverts  immaculate;  the  .shaft-streaks  on  the  tibije,  ahso,  scarcely  (liscerniblc.  Wing  7.00  ; 
tail  4.60."  (Ridgway.)  Interior  N.  Am.,  esjtecially  from  the  Mississippi  to  the  Rocky  Mts., 
but  also  extending  to  the  Pacific,  and  from  the  region  of  the  Saskatdiewan  to  the  Mexican 
border;  very  near  columharius,  both  being  closely  related  to  F.  retjulus,  the  fewer  bars  on  the 
wiuirs  and  tail  a])parently  tlie  principal  diaracter;  and  in  this  respect  lichunlsnui  seems  to  bo 
exactly  interme<liate  bitween  voliinihdiius  and  rcfjiilus,  with  a  tail-band  mori'  tlian  the  former, 
and  with  fewer  tiian  tlie  latter.  A  9  I  tooli  in  Daiiota  measures :  lengtli  12.75;  extent  26.75  ; 
wintr  8.50. 

43 


674 


SYSTEMA  TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  RAPTORES  —  A  CCIPITRES. 


F.  {2E.)  reg'ulus.  (Lat.  a  little  king,  a  kinglet,  dim.  of  rex,  king.)  Pallas'  Pigeon 
Hawk.  EuRorEAN  Merlin.  Size  and  proportions  of  the  speoies  last  described ;  markings 
of  tail  and  wings  more  numerous  and  less  firm.  Adult  $  :  Middle  tail-feathers  crossed  by 
about  six  imperfect  dark  bars,  in  addition  to  the  broad  subtermiual  baud.  Adult  9  and  young 
$  :  These  tail-feathers  crossed  by  about  eight  light  bars,  including  the  terminal  one.  {F.  regii- 
lus  Pallas,  Reise  Russich.  Reichs.  ii,  1773,  p.  707;  F.  asalon  Tunstall,  Orn.  Brit.  1771, 
p.  1,  and  of  most  authors.  Accipiter  merillus  Gerini,  Orn.  17(37,  i,  p.  51,  pis.  xviii,  xix.)  This 
well-known  European  and  Asiatic  Falcon,  belonging  to  the  subgenus  ^salon,  is  recorded  as 
accidental  at  sea  oft"  Greenland.  See  Kumleix,  Auk,  Oct.  1887,  p.  345;  CouES,  Key,  4th  ed. 
1890,  p.  904;  A.  O.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  [358.  1.]. 


(/S^ft^enMs  Tinnunculus:  Kestrels.) 

F.  (T.)  tinnun'culus.  (Lat.  a  small  kind  of  Hawk,  perhaps  this  species.)  European 
Kestrel  or  Windhover.  The  type  of  this  section  of  the  genus,  and  in  general  resembling 
our  Sparrow  Hawk  as  next  described.  Adult  ^  :  Above,  slate-gray,  including  the  tail,  the 
latter  with  a  broad  black  subtermiual  band  and  white  tip,  the  head  with  dusky  shaft-lines,  the 
back  rufous,  spotted  with  black ;  quills  dusky  with  light  edgings  ;  below,  fawn-colored  fir  buff, 
more  rufous  on  the  ftanks  and  crissum,  spotted  on  the  belly  and  streaked  on  the  breast  with 
dusky ;  tail  viewed  from  below  grayish-white.  Bill  bluish ;  cere,  orbits,  and  feet  yellow ; 
claws  black;  iris  brown.  9  ^^tid  Jf'ung  above  reddish-brown,  barred  with  black.  ^  ^  : 
Length  about  12.50;  wing  9.00;  tail  6.50.  This  well-known  bird  of  Europe  and  Asia  has 
been  detected  as  a  straggler  in  Massachusetts.  See  Cory,  Auk,  Jan.  1888,  p.  110,  and  A]m\, 
1888,  p.  205;  CouES,lvey,  4th  ed.  1890,  p.  904;  A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  [359.  1.]. 
F.  (T.)  sparve'rius.  (Lat.  SjMrvenus,  a  sparrower.  Figs.  462,  463,  464.)  American 
Kestrel  or  Windhover.  Rusty-crowxed  Falcon.  Sparrow  Hawk.  Smallest  of  our 
Falconince;  sexes  unlike  in  color,  but  of  nearly  the  same  size,  contrary  to  the  rule  in  this  fam- 
ily. Tail  rounded,  at  least  f  as  long  as  the  wing,  usually 
more.  Wings  pointed  by  2d  and  3d  quills ;  1st  about  equal  to 
4th  ;  1st  and  2d  emarginate  on  inner  webs  near  end  ;  2d  and 
3d  sinuate  on  outer  webs.  Tarsus  feathered  but  a  little  way 
down  in  front,  decidedly  longer  than  middle  toe  without  claw, 
usually  surpassing  middle  toe  and  claw.  Young  differing 
less  than  usual  from  adults  of  their  respective  sexes.  Adult 
^  9  •  Crown  ashy-blue,  with  a  chestnut  patch,  sometimes 
small  or  altogether  wanting,  sometimes  occupying  nearly  all 
the  crown.  Conspicuous  black  maxillary  and  auricular 
patches  which,  with  3  others  around  nape,  make  7  places  in 
all,  usually  evident,  but  some  of  them  often  obscure  or  wanting.  Back  cinnamon-rufous,  or 
chestnut,  like  the  cnnvn-patch,  in  ^  with  a  few  black  spots  or  none,  in  9  "'ith  numerous  black 
bars.  Wing-coverts  of  ^  fine  ashy-blue,  like  crown,  with  or  without  black  spots;  of  9  cin- 
namon-rufous and  black-barred,  like  back.  Quill  feathers  in  ^  9  blackish,  usually  with  pale 
edges  and  tips,  and  inner  webs  with  numerous  white  indentations,  or  bars  continuous  along 
inner  webs,  leaving  black  chiefly  in  a  series  of  dentations  proceeding  from  shafts ;  ends  of  secon- 
daries usually  also  slaty-blue  like  coverts.  Tail  bright  chestnut,  in  ^  with  white  tip,  broad 
black  subtermiual  zone,  and  outer  feathers  mostly  white  with  several  black  bars;  in  9  whole 
tail  with  numerous  imperfect  black  bars.  Under  parts  white,  variously  tinged  with  bufi"  or 
tawny,  in  ^  with  a  few  black  spots  or  none,  in  9  with  many  dark  brown  streaks ;  throat  and 
vent  usually  immaculate.  Bill  dark  horn ;  cere  and  feet  yellow  or  orange.  Length,  either 
sex,  10.00-11.00;  extent  20.00-23.00;  win^  6.50-8.00;  tail  4.50-6.00;  tarsus  1.35;  middle  toe 


Fio.  4G3.  —  Sparrow  Hawk,  nat.  size. 
(Ad.  nat.  del.  E.  C.) 


FA L COXID.E  —  FAL COXING :    FA L CONS. 


675 


without  claw  1.00.  The  j'oung  do  not  require  to  be  separately  described,  as  the  species  is  a 
strongly  marked  one,  and  as  the  young  speedily  acquire  recDirnizable  sexual  characters.  Tliey 
may  be  distinguished  when  just  from  the 
nest;  their  first  covering  is  white  down. 
Temperate  N.  Am.,  very  abundant. 
Despite  its  great  variation  in  niai'kiugs, 
aside  from  the  normal  sexual  differences, 
tliis  elegant  little  Falcon  will  be  imme- 
diately recognized  by  the  subgeneric 
characters  of  Imnunctihis,  its  small  size, 
and  entirely  peculiar  coloration.  Its 
characteristic  habit  is  to  ho\er  or  ])oise 
in  the  air  over  some  object  which  seems 
to  promise  a  meal,  and  then  pounce 
down  upon  the  prey;  whence  the  name 
"  Windhover"  for  the  corresponding  Eu- 
rojieaii  species.  Tlie  birds  are  very 
ivctive  and  noisy  during  the  breeding  sea- 
son.    They  build   no   nest,    but    lay    in 

hollows   of   trees,    often     deserted    Wood-         i'^^-  it-4.-Spanow  Ua«k,  Florida,  uat.  .ize.     (L.  A.  Faerie..; 

])eckers'  hcdes,  or  similar  nooks  in  rocks  or  about  buildings,  occasionally  in  a  hole  in  the  ground 
of  a  cut  bank,  but  very  rarely  occupy  the  open  nest  of  some  other  bird.  Eggs  3-7,  mostly 
4  or  5,  nearly  s]>heroidal,  about  1.33  X  1.12;  ground-c<dor  usually  buffy,  or  pale  yellowish- 
brown  ;  blotched  all  over  witli  dark  brown,  the  splashes  of  which  are  usually  largest  and  most 
numerous  toward  the  greater  end,  at  or  around  whicli  they  may  run  into  a  crown  or  wreath. 
Some  eggs  are  pale  brown,  minutely  dotted  all  ov(!r  with  dark  brown ;  some  are  white,  with 
pale  brown  spots;  few  are  wliitish  without  any  markings.  They  are  laid  from  March  to  June 
in  different  localities,  and  have  even  been  found  fresh  in  July  and  August. 

Note.  F.  s.  isabellinns,  queried  in  the  2d-4th  eds.  of  the  Key,  p.  5.'38,  as  "a  middle 
American  form  of  the  last,  occurring  in  the  Gulf  States,  and  shading  directly  into  sparcerius 
l)roj)er,"  has  been  found  untenable  and  dismissed  from  all  further  consideration.  In  its  stead 
we  have  now  to  admit  two  other  subspecies  ol  sparverius  which  have  secured  the  apjiroval  of 
tiie  A.  0.  U.  Committee,  but  which  may  not  impossibly  hereafter  follow  isdbellinus  into  the 
limbo  of  unidentifiable  or  unverifiable  races  of  a  single  well-known  species:  see  Auk,  July, 
1892,  pp.  2.')2-270, 

F.  (T.)  s.  (leserti'eolus.  (Lat.  desertion,  a  desert,  and  colo,  1  iuliabit.)  Desert  Si'.vkkhw 
Hawk.  Larger  than  the  average  of  sjyarverius  proper,  witli  relatively  longer  tail ;  paler,  with 
more  rufous,  and  a  larger  crown  patcli  ;  black  bars  on  inner  webs  of  the  quills  not  crossing  the 
entire  web,  but  forming  serrations  only:  9  witii  tlie  dark  bars  of  the  upper  parts  narrower, 
and  those  of  the  tail  more  often  incomph'te.  Described  as  "  a  desert  form  from  the  treeless 
regions  of  the  Southwest."  Meauxs,  Auk,  July,  181t2,  ]).  2(i3;  range  given  as  "Western 
T'.  S.,  N.  to  eastern  British  Ccdnndjia  and  western  Montana,  S.  to  Mazatlan  in  nortliwestern 
Mexico,"  in  A.  0.  IT.  Li.st,  2d  e<l.  18!)5,  No.  :iG{)a.  It  is  a  bird  witli  whidi  I  was  fanuliar 
thirty  years  ago  in  Arizona,  but  one  which  I  did  not  suspect  I  should  evi'r  be  callctl  ui>on  to 
rrcognize  by  name. 

F.  (T.)  s.  peiiiii'sularis.  (Lat.  lu'ninsular. )  St.  LfCAS  Si'Ai;i;n\v  Hawk.  -  A  .lepaiiperate 
insular  [read  peninsular]  form,  in  which  a  diminution  of  the  general  size  is  accompanied  by  an 
intrease  in  the  size  of  the  l)ill  ;  also  charactcTized  by  jtallor  of  C(.Ioration.  and  decrease  in  the 
extent  of  the  black  markings."  Iris  said  to  be  ytdlow  instead  of  hazel  in  thr  9  .  Low.r  Cali- 
fornia. Meariis,  /.  c.  ]>.  '2(\7  :  A.  O.  U.  List.  2d  .d.  18!).->,  No.  [m)  b. 


676  SYS TEMA  TIC   S YNOPSIS.  —RAP TOR ES  —  AC CIPITRES. 

F.  (T.)  dominicen'sis.  (Lat.  inhabiting  the  island  of  Dominique,  or  St.  Domingo.)  CUBAN 
Sparrow  Hawk.  Closely  related  to  F.  sparverius,  and  generally  similar,  but  apparently  a 
distinct  species,  in  both  of  the  two  color-phases  which  it  presents.  Light  phase  (=  F.  domini- 
censis  proper).  Adult  <J:  Above  as  in  sparverius,  but  with  little  black  spotting.  CrovA'u  usu- 
ally without  a  rusty  spot,  being  bluish  like  the  wings;  forehead  broadly  white;  a  conspicuous 
white  superciliary  stripe ;  maxillary  stripes  indistinct  or  obsolete ;  under  surfaces  of  quills  white, 
with  dusky  serrations  in  parts  of  tlieir  extent  only  ;  uuder  parts  white,  unmarked,  shaded  with 
pale  rufous  on  the  breast.  Dark  phase  (=  F.  sparverioides) .  Adult  $  :  Above,  except  tail 
(which  is  as  in  sparverius),  entirely  dark  plumbeous,  with  a  blackish  nuchal  collar,  and  dusky 
front  and  auriculars ;  primaries  and  edges  and  subterminal  portion  of  tail-feathers,  black.  Be- 
neath, deep  rufous  (like  the  back  of  spiarverius)  with  a  wash  of  plumbeous  across  jugulum ; 
throat  grayish-white.  Inner  webs  of  i^rimaries  slaty,  with  transverse  cloudings  of  darker.  The 
9  in  either  phase  has  the  upper  parts  rufous  brown,  banded  with  blackish,  the  top  of  the  head 
bluish-gray  or  slate-gray,  with  or  without  a  rufous  patch  ;  the  under  parts  ranging  from  pale 
bufi",  spotted  or  streaked  with  rusty  brown,  and  white  throat,  to  uniform  chestnut-rufous,  which 
also  colors  the  linings  of  the  wings  ;  and  dusky  mottled  inner  webs  of  primaries.  Cuba,  Hayti 
(Santo  Domingo),  and  Porto  Rico;  casual  in  Florida.  Previous  editions  of  the  Key  have  de- 
scribed only  the  dark  phase,  which  was  supposed  to  be  a  different  species  from  F.  dominicensis 
Gm.,  the  light  phase,  which  latter  is  also  F.  lencnphn/s  Ridgway.  The  two  are  now  united 
under  the  earliest  name.     (A.  0.  U.  No.  [361.]-) 

(Subgenus  Rhynchofalco.) 

F.  (R.)  fuscicoerules'cens.  (Lat.  fiiscns,  dark;  cosrulescens ,  bluish.)  Femoral  Falcon. 
Aplomado  Falcon.  Bill  robust,  with  large  cere;  irregular  scutellation  of  tarsus  continuous 
on  the  toes;  tarsus  a  little  longer  than  middle  toe  without  claw  ;  2cl  and  3d  quills  longest ;  1st 
about  equal  to  4th ;  1st  and  2d  emarginate  on  inner  webs  ;  2d  and  3d  sinuate  on  outer  webs. 
Size  medium  (among  the  smaller  Falcons)  ;  form  slender ;  sexes  alike.  Adult  ^  9  •  Above, 
uniform  plumbeous;  tail  with  about  8  narrow  white  bars,  and  tipj)ed  with  white,  as  are  the 
secondaries;  primaries  with  numerous  narrow  white  bars  on  inner  webs,  mostly  being  isolated 
transverse  spots,  reaching  neithei'  shaft  nor  inner  edge  of  feathers;  same  pattern  less  definitely 
continued  on  to  secondaries.  Side  of  head  with  a  broad  white  or  tawny  postocular  stripe,  con- 
tinuous wdth  narrowly  white  forehead,  shading  into  orange-brown  on  nape,  where  confluent 
with  its  fellow;  auriculais  mostly  white,  set  in  black  of  side  of  head,  but  continuous  with  white 
of  throat,  so  that  a  black  supra-auricular  stripe  meets  a  black  mystacial  stripe  under  eye. 
Sides  of  body  and  a  broad  belly-band  black,  with  or  without  numerous  narrow  white  bars; 
extent  of  this  black  very  variable  ;  it  usually  leaves  the  breast  white  or  tawny,  but  in  younger 
specimens  the  whole  breast  is  streaked  with  black  on  a  tawny  ground.  Throat  usually  white. 
Lining  of  wings  blacldsh,  spotted  with  white,  the  border  mostly  white  or  tawny.  Flanks, 
flags,  and  crissum  uniform  tawny  or  orange-brown.  Young  sufliciently  similar,  but  upper 
parts  rather  dark  brown  than  plumbeous.  Lengtli  J  5.00  or  more;  wing  10.00-11.00 ;  tail 
7.00-8.00;  tarsus  1.75  ;  middle  toe  without  claw  1..50.  A  handsome  Hawk,  well-known  and 
wide-ranging  in  South  and  Central  America,  reaching  over  our  Mexican  border  in  southern 
Texas,  New  Mexico,  and  Arizona.  Nest  in  trees  or  bushes ;  eggs  usually  3  in  our  country, 
1.80  X  1  30,  white,  finely  dotted  with  light  brown,  overlaid  with  blotches  of  dark  brown,  very 
variable  in  pattern,  as  usual  in  this  genus,  laid  in  April  and  May  with  us.  {F.femoralis  (Temm. 
1823)  of  the  orig.  ed.  of  the  Key.) 


FA  L  CONID.E  —  POL  YBORIN.E :    CAR  A  CA  RA  S. 


677 


Subfamily  POLYBORIN/E:   Caracaras. 

Anatomical  characters  of  Falconitice  proper,  in  the  scapular  arrangement  by  which  a  pro- 
cess of  coracoid  reaches  clavicle,  central  tubercle  of  extensively  ossified  nasal  bones,  anterior 
keel  of  palate,  and  superurbital  shield  in  a  single  piece ;  external  characters  very  unlike  those 
of  i^rtZco«i>itf?,  and  general  aspect  vulturine.  Bill  toothless.  Sternum  single-notched  on  each 
side  behind.  Three  or  more  primaries  sinuate-einarginate  on  inner  webs;  3d  or  4th  longest; 
1st  shorter  than  5th.  A  small  but  remarkable  group,  combining  some  of  the  essential  charac- 
ters of  Falcons  with  others  more  Vulture-like;  the  species  are  chiefly  terrestrial,  rather  slug- 
gish, and  feed  much  on  carrion.  Tlie  genera  are  Fohjhorus,  FhalcohcBnus,  Senex,  Milvago, 
Ibi/cter,  and  Daptrius,  all  confined  to  America. 

POLY'BOKUS.  (Gr.  rroXv^opos,  polyhuros,  very  voracious.  Fig.  4G5.)  Cauacaras. 
QuKLELis.  Bill  long,  high,  much  compressed,  little  hooked,  commissure  nearly  straight  to 
deflected  end ;  cere  miv  ',  ij. 
ending  anteriorly  in 
a  nearly  straight 
vertical  line ;  nostril 
high  in  front  upper 
corner  of  cere,  lin- 
ear, obli(|ue,  its  pos- 
terior end  upper- 
most, its  tubercle 
concealed.  Chin  and 
sides  of  head  bristly, 
extensively  denuded ; 
a  naked  pectoral 
area;  an  occijjital 
crest.  Tibia;  shortly 
flagged.  Tarsus 
nearly  twice  as  long 
as  middle  toe  with- 
out claw    almost  en-  Fio.  465.  —  The  Caracara,  i  nat.  size.     (Krom  Brehm.) 

tirely  naked,  chiefly  reticulate,  but  in  front  broadly  scutellate  in  single  or  doul)le  row;  lateral 
toes  of  about  equal  lengths;  hind  toe  much  the  sliortest;  claws  long  and  little  curved.  Wings 
very  hnig,  with  .'3d  and  4tb  (piills  longest,  2d  and  5th  next,  1st  shorter  than  Gth  or  7th  ;  outer 
4  or  5  emarginate.  Tail  rounded,  about  §  as  long  as  wing.  Comprising  three  species  of  large 
Vulture-like  carrion  Hawks,  of  terrestrial  lialdts,  and  ambulatorial,  not  saltatorial,  gait,  of  tlie 
warmer  ])arts  of  America. 

P.  che'riway.  (Probably  tlie  South  American  native  name.)  Audubon's  Caracara. 
Adult  ^  9-  General  color  blackish,  throat,  neck  all  around,  and  more  or  less  of  fore  back  and 
breast  whitish,  spotted,  and  chiefly  barred  with  blackish  ;  upjierand  under  tail-coverts  and  most 
of  tail  white,  the  hitter  very  numerously  barred  with  blackish,  of  which  color  is  the  broad  ter- 
minal zone ;  shafts  white  alontr  white  portion  of  each  feather.  Basal  portion  of  jirimaries  like- 
wise barred  with  whitish.  Bill  variously  pale  colored  ;  cere  carmine  ;  iris  lirowii  ;  feet  yellow  ; 
daws  black;  soft  ])arts  drying  to  a  dingy  indefinable  color.  Yoinii;  similar,  but  rather  brown- 
ish ;  markings  of  body  in  lengthwise  streaks,  not  cross-bars;  tail,  however,  barred.  Len^'th 
(cither  sex)  21.00-125.00;  extent  about  48.00;  winir  I4..")0-I(i.50;  tail  H.(M)-IO.(H)  ;  tarsus 
about  ;}.()();  middle  toe  without  claw  2.00;  ciilmen  l.."{5.  I  desi-ribe  the  North  American  bird, 
which  is  much  less  extcnsiv<'ly  barnd  than  that  of  South  America.  (See  Cassin,  Pr.  IMiilu. 
.\cad.  IHr)5.  ]>.  2  )     The  difl'erence  in  several  sjx-cimens  handled  is  striking,  nearly  the  whole 


678  SYSTEMA  TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  RAPTORES  —  A  CCIPITRES. 

body,  wings,  and  tail  of  the  South  Aineriran  bird  being  inuhitudinously  rayed  across,  while  in 
Texas  and  Florida  specimens  the  body  and  wing-coverts  are  mostly  uniform,  the  barring  being 
restricted  to  neck  and  fore  half  of  body,  and  to  primaries  and  tail-feathers.  The  bird  is  cer- 
tainly different  from  P.  thariis.  P-  lutosus  is  barred  throughout,  and  otherwise  different  again. 
S.  border  of  U.  S.,  Florida  to  Lower  California  and  southward,  common,  in  some  places  abun- 
dant, gregarious  like  a  Turkey  Buzzard  where  offal  is  exposed.  Nest  bulky,  in  trees  and 
bushes,  as  palmettos,  yuccas,  mesquites,  cactuses,  etc.,  of  sticks  and  leaves;  eggs  commonly  2, 
often  3,  broadly  oval  or  subspherical,  heavily  colored  with  blotches  and  clusters  of  rich  reddish- 
brown  and  smaller  blackish  over-spots,  usually  obscuring  the  creamy  white  ground-color;  size 
2.20  to  2.40  by  about  1.85;  with  us  laid  mostly  in  March  and  April,  sometimes  in  February, 
The  long  neck  and  legs  of  this  bird,  its  terrestrial  habits  and  walking  powers,  give  it  peculiar 
character,  almost  suggesting  Gi/por/eramis.  Like  our  Vultures,  it  is  a  constant  feature  of  the 
scene  in  some  southerly  localities.  (F.  cheriwai/  Jacquin,  Beitr.  1784,  p.  17,  pi.  4.  P.  cheri- 
way  Cab.  1848;  A.  0.  U.  No.  362.  P.  hrasiliensis  Aud.  folio  pi.  161  and  8vo  pi.  4  ;  not  ot 
Gm.  1788.  P.  tharus  Cass.  B.  Cal.  i,  1854,  p.  113,  and  in  Bd.  B.  N.  A.  1858,  p.  45;  not  of 
MoLiNE,  1782.  P.  auduboni  Cass.  Pr.  Phila.  Acad.  1865,  p.  2.  P.  tharus  var.  audubonii 
CouKS,  Key,  1872,  p.  220.  P.  auduboni  of  2d-4th  eds.  1884-90,  p.  540.) 
P.  luto'sus.  (Lat.  lutosus,  dirty,  muddy;  so  called  from  the  sordid  coloration.)  Guadalupe 
Caracara.  As  stated  in  Key,  2d  ed.  p.  540,  this  species  is  quite  distinct,  nearly  the  whole 
plumage  being  barred.  "  Scapulars  plain  dusky  brown.  Tibia?  and  flanks  light  isabella-color, 
barred  with  dark  brown.  Wing-coverts  (middle  and  greater)  marked  with  wide  bars  of  brown 
and  pale  isabella-color,  of  equal  width.  Tail- coverts  and  rump  with  broad  bars  of  light 
isabella-color  and  grayish-brown.  Tail  with  broad  bars  of  pale  isabella-color  and  grayish- 
brown,  separated  by  zigzag  lines  of  dusky.  Abdomen  isabella-color,  with  small  sagittate  bars 
of  dark-brown."  Wing  15.00-16.50;  tail  10.50-11-50;  bill  1.25-1.35;  tarsus  3.50-3.75. 
Guadalupe  Island,  Lower  California.  Ridgw.  Bull.  U.  S.  Geog.  &  Geol.  Surv.  2d  ser.  No.  6, 
Feb.  1876,  p.  459;  Man.  1887,  p.  254;  Coues,  Key,  3d  ed.  1887,  p.  882,  Lower  California 
and  its  islands  having  been  meanwhile  annexed  ornithologically;  A.  0.  U.  No.  363. 

Subfamily  BUTEONIN/E  :    Buzzards  and  Eagles. 

Bill  variable  in  size  and  shape,  but  without  the  toothing  and  notching  of  that  of  FalconincB 
(with  rare  exceptions)  ;  cutting  edge  variously  lobed  or  festooned,  or  simple.  Nostrils  not  cir- 
cular, nor  with  a  central  tubercle :  nasal  septum  incompletely  ossified.  Superciliary  shield 
more  or  less  prominent,  usually  consisting  of  two  pieces.  Scapular  process  of  coracoid  not 
produced  to  meet  clavicle.  Wings  and  tail  variable,  but  not  pi-esenting  special  characters 
noted  under  Falconince,  nor  relative  lengths  of  those  oi  Accipitrince.  Tarsus  obviously  shorter 
than  tibia,  generally  scutellate  before  and  behind,  sometimes  feathered  to  toes.  The  Buzzards 
form  a  large  group,  not  easy  to  define  except  by  exclusion  ;  though  quite  distinct  from  Falco- 
ninte  and  Pohjborince,  they  grade  into  each  of  the  (jther  subfamilies  here  presented.  They  are 
Hawks  of  medium  and  rather  large  size,  heavy-bodied,  of  strong  but  measured  flight,  inferior 
in  spirit  to  the  true  Hawks  and  Falcons,  and  as  a  rule  feed  upon  humble  game,  which  they 
rather  snatch  stealthily  than  capture  in  open  piracy.  The  extensive  genus  Buteo  with  its  sub- 
divisions, and  its  companion  Archibuteo,  typify  Buzzards;  they  include,  however,  a  great 
variety  of  forms.  With  them  must  be  associated  Eagles  ;  for  popular  estimate  of  these  famous 
great  birds  as  something  remarkably  different  from  ordinary  Hawks  is  not  confirmed  by  exam- 
ination of  their  structure,  which  is  the  same  as  that  of  other  Buzzards.  Altliough  usually  of 
large  size  and  powerful  physique,  they  are  far  below  the  smallest  Falcons  in  raptorial  charac- 
ter, prey  like  Buzzards,  and  ()ften  stoop  to  carrion.  The  genus  Aquila  may  stand  as  the  type 
of  an  Eagle  ;  its  several  species  are  confined  to  the  Old  World,  with  one  exception.     Haliaetus 


FALCONID.E  —  BUTEOXIN.E:   BUZZARDS.  679 

represents  a  decided  modification,  in  adaptation  to  maritime  and  piscivorous  habits.  TJudassa- 
etiis  pelugicus  is  the  magniticeut  sea  Eagle  of  northeastern  Asia,  whose  cuneate  tail  has  14  rec- 
trices,  contrary  to  the  rule  in  Falconidce.  A  celebrated  bird  (if  this  group  is  the  Harpy  Eagle, 
Thrasyaetus  harpyia,  with  immense  bill  and  feet,  and  one  of  the  most  powerful  birds  of  the 
whole  family.     There  are  several  other  genera  in  eacii  liemisphere. 

Analysis  of  Genera. 
Tarsi  feathered  in  front  to  the  toes. 

Buzzards  not  over  2  feet  long Archilmieo 

Eagles  about  3  feet  long Aquila 

Tarsi  naked  and  scutellate  or  reticulate  below. 

Crested.     Eagles  about  4  feet  long • Thrasyaetus 

Not  crested.     No  basal  webbing  of  toes.     Eagles  about  3  feet  long Uatiaelus 

A  basal  web  between  outer  and  middle  toes.     Buzzards  not  over  two  feet  long. 

Under  parts  of  adult  finely  barred  crosswise  ;  wings  rounded Aslurina 

—  otherwise;  wings  more  pointed Urtibitinr/n,  Partibuteo,  aud  Buleo 

PARABU'TKO.  (Gr.  napc'i,  ])(()•<(,  by,  near,  beside,  alongside  of,  etc.  and  Lat.  Biiteo,  the 
genus  to  which  it  is  so  nearly  related  tliat  T  have  liitherto  allowed  it  only  subgenerie  rank  in 
the  Key.)  Carrion  Buzzards.  In  general  nearly  like  Bitteo  (which  see),  with  some  resem- 
blance to  Pohjhorus.  Tail  more  than  f  as  long  as  wing.  Fice  outer  primaries  emarginate  on 
inner  webs.  Bill  high  at  base ;  nostrils  oval,  with  eccentric  tubercle.  Tarsi  lengthened  and 
much  denuded,  not  feathered  ^  way  down  in  front,  thence  with  a  i-ow  of  large  scutella,  difier- 
ent  from  the  small  plates  on  the  sides  and  behind.  Loral  region  extensively  denuded  to  the 
eye,  and  beset  with  short  radiating  bristles.  One  species,  American,  with  a  subspecies  over 
our  border.  Antenor  and  Parahuteo  Riogw.  in  Bo.  Brew,  and  Kidgav.  N.  A.  B.  iii,  lt*74, 
]ip.  248  and  '2.")().  Fri/fhrocnema  Shakpe,  Cat.  B.  Brit.  Mas.  i,  1874,  p.  84. 
P.  uniciiic'tus  har'risi.  (Lat.  tint-,  once  ;  cinctufi,  girdled.  To  Edw.  Harris.)  Harris' 
Buzzard.  y\dult  ^  9-  General  plumage  blackish,  more  or  less  intense,  sometimes  rather 
dark  chocohite-brown,  blackening  on  wings  and  tail,  but  in  any  case  pretty  uniform  over  wliole 
body ;  sides  of  head  with  some  white  touches.  Lesser  and  part  of  middle  wing-coverts,  lining  of 
wings,  and  tibia>,  brownish-red,  or  rich  chestnut.  Tail-coverts  and  base  of  tail  broadly  white, 
thus  girdling  tlie  wlude  figure  ;  end  of  tail  ahso  white,  1.00  or  more.  ^  about  20.00  ;  e.\tent 
4L00-4ti.00  ;  wing  12.50-13.50  ;  tail  8..jO-i>..50  ;  tarsus  3.()0-.'J.25  ;  middle  toe  withnut  claw  2.00. 
9  larger;  about  2.3.00;  extent  43.00-47.00;  wing  1.3.50-14..')0  ;  tail  !).50-lO..')0.  Y.mng: 
Less  decidedly  blackish,  upper  parts  varied  with  rusty-bmwn,  lower  (piite  tawny  with  dusky 
spots  or  streaks,  chestnut  of  wings  not  unbroken,  white  of  tail  less  distinctly  defined.  Tibi;e 
tawny-white,  distinctly  barred  with  chestnut.  But  in  any  plumage  the  species  is  unmistak- 
able. Nestlings  are  covered  with  white  and  buif  down.  In  some  respects  it  resembles  Pohj- 
horus, being  a  slnggisli,  carrion-feeding  bird,  usually  found  as.sociated  with  the  Caracara, 
Turkey  Buzzard,  and  Black  Vulture.  It  is  a  cuniUKin  inhabitant  nf  the  warmer  parts  of 
America  and  over  our  Mexican  border;  abundant  in  snme  parts  of  Texas,  extending  E.  to 
Louisiana,  rarely  to  Mississippi,  W.  acro.ss  New  Mexico  and  Arizona  to  Low«'r  California, 
anil  8.  to  Panama.  Nest  in  a  tree  or  bush,  very  variable  in  size  and  finish  in  difi'erent  cases  ; 
egys  2-4,  connnonly  3,  2.00-2.10  X  1.05.  white  or  whiti.sh,  unmarked,  or  with  faint  browiiisli- 
ycdliiw  spots  or  stains,  laid  from  the  middle  of  February  to  early  June  in  our  country. 
BU'TKO.  {\ i\\i.  hutco, -A  IJuzzard-hawk.)  Buzzards.  Size  medium  and  large;  form  heavy, 
rolui.st.  Itill  of  nioilerate  size  and  ordinary  shape.  Wings  rather  long  and  pointed,  exceedini; 
tail  to  a  variable  extent;  .3d  to  5th  quills  loni:<'st,  1st  to  4th  emarginate  on  inner  webs,  1st  not 
longer  than  Htli.  Tail  f)f  uxiderate  len>rth.  probaldy  averaging  §  of  the  wini:.  a  little  roundi'ii. 
Feet  more  or  less  robust;  tarsi  .scutellate  in  front  at  least,  feathired  in  front  for  a  varyiiii: 
di.stance;  tibia.' flagged.     Tiiis  is  the  central  or  typical  i;enns  of  its  subfamily,  as  i'«/fO  is  of 


680  SYSTEMA TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  RAPTORES  —  A CCIPITRES. 

Falconina;,  eaibmcing  numerous  species  of  nearly  all  parts  of  the  world  excepting  Australia ; 
about  half  of  thein  American.  Tlie  type  is  B.  vulfjaris  of  Europe,  to  which  the  North  Amer- 
ican B.  swainsoni  is  closely  related.  Four  of  our  species  {BB.  borealis,  swainsoni,  Uneatus, 
latissimus)  are  common  ''  Hen  Hawks  "  or  "  Chicken  Hawks"  of  the  U.  S.,  the  first  named 
running  into  several  varieties  ;  the  others  are  little  known  (JBB.  hariani,  cooperi),  or  of  very 
partial  distribution  in  North  America  {BB.  sennetti,  abbreviatus,  brachyurus),  or  questionable 
as  a  straggler  from  Europe  (alleged  B.  buteo).  In  all  cases,  sexes  alike  or  similar;  9  larger 
than  1^;  young  different  from  adults ;  and  melanism  frequent. 

Analysis  of  Subgenera  and  Species. 

Tail  irfiile,  with  a  broad  black  subterminal  zone  and  numerous  very  narrow,  zig-zag,  or  broken,  blackish  cross- 
lines.     Texas.     (Type  of  subgenus  Tachytriorcltis) albocaudatus  sennetli 

Four  outer  primaries  emarginate  or  sinuate  on  inner  webs. 

Tail  mostly  rufous,  ashy-clouded  ;  marked  /engthtvise  with  darker ;  and  with  dark  subterminal  zone ;  under 
parts  mostly  white.     Gala.,  one  specimen  known  ;  dubious cooperi  f 

Tail  mottled  with  dusky  and  white,  and  with  subterminal  blackish  zone  ;  showing  also  reddish  touches.  Plu- 
mage almost  entirely  blackish,  with  fleecy- white  bases  of  feathers.  Kas.  to  Tex.,  not  well  known,  and  status 
questionable • ...       hariani 

Tail  of  adult  chestnut-red,  with  black  subterminal  bar,  and  others  or  not ;  no  reddish  on  wing-coverts ;  white 
prevailing  on  under  parts,  especially  breast.  Tail  of  young  closely  barred  with  grajrish  and  blackish.  Ro- 
bust and  largest ;  wing  usually  t4.00  or  more  ;  tarsus  stout.     N.  Am.,  common borealis 

Tail  of  adult  black,  crossed  by  about  C  white  bars  ;  primaries  spotted  with  white  ;  lesser  wing-coverts  reddish, 
like  under  parts.  Tail  of  youug  dusky,  numerously  barred  with  whitish  ;  under  parts  whitish,  streaked  with 
dusky.     Less  robust ;  wing  usually  under  14.00  ;  tarsus  slender.    N.  Am.,  common Uneatus 

Tail  of  adult  black,  with  3  broad  white  zones  on  inner  webs  only  of  the  feathers,  ashy  on  outer  webs  ;  plumage 
black,  spotted  or  not  with  white.     Tail  of  young  dusky,  inner  webs  mostly  white,  black-barred.    Southwestern 

U.  S abbreviatus 

Three  outer  primaries  emarginate  or  sinuate  on  iiuier  webs. 

Tail  numerously  and  narrowly  cross-barred  with  lighter  and  darker.  Plumage  extremely  variable,  but  not  exten- 
sively reddish  underneath,  nor  cheeks  with  a  dark  mustache.  Large  ;  wing  usually  over  13.00.  Chiefly  west- 
ern U.  S.,  common swainsoni 

Tail  of  adult  blackish  witli  about  3  light  gray  bands  exposed  ;  under  parts  extensively  rufous ;  a  dark  mustache. 
Small;  wing  under  12.00.     Eastern  U.  S.,  common latusinms 

Tall  crossed  with  light  and  dark  bars  ;  general  color  of  upper  parts  fuliginous,  little  varied,  frontlet  more  or 
leas  whitish.     Southern  U.  S brachyurus 

{Subgenus  Tachytriorchis.) 

B.  albocauda'tus  sen'netti.  (Lat.  albu-s,  white;  cauclatus,  tailed.  To  Geo.  B.  Sennett.) 
White-tailed  Buzzard.  Sennett's  Buzzard.  Three  outer  primaries  cut  on  inner  webs. 
Wings  very  acute;  tail  short.  Adult  ^^:  Tail  and  its  coverts  white,  with  a  broad  black 
subteruiinal  zcnie,  and  nunjerous  very  fine  zig-zag  or  broken  blackish  cross-lines.  Upper 
parts  (excepting  rump,  which  is  white  like  tail),  definitely  including  sides  of  head  and  neck, 
ash-color  or  plumbeous,  lighter  or  darker  in  diff'(n-ent  cases,  the  feathers  fleecy-white  at  bases 
so  extensively  as  to  show  with  the  least  disturbance  of  the  plumage,  and  on  scapulars  tinged 
with  reddish.  Most  of  the  lesser  wing-coverts  (but  not  quite  to  bend  of  wing),  chestnut,  some- 
what as  in  Harris'  Buzzard.  Entire  under  parts  pure  white,  lightly  touched  with  fine  dusky 
cross-bars  on  sides,  lining  of  wings,  and  usually  tibiae.  On  surface  of  wings  plumbeous  of 
upper  parts  deepens  to  blackish  of  primaries,  whftse  inner  Avebs  are  lighter  and  more  brownish, 
crossed  with  numerous  darker  bars,  and  toward  base  are  cut,  barred,  or  speckled  with  white, 
which  increases  in  regularity,  firmness,  and  extent  on  secondaries.  Shafts  of  wing-feathers 
brown  or  black,  those  of  tail  white  along  wliite  portion  of  the  feathers.  Bill  mostly  dark,  in 
part  light;  feet  yellow;  claws  black.  Length  of  $  23.00;  extent  48.00;  wing  16.00;  tail 
7.00;  chord  of  culmen,  including  cere,  1.40;  tarsus  about  3.2.5;  feathered  about  1.00  down  in 
front.  9  larger:  length  24.00;  extent  54.00;  wing  17..50;  tail  8.00,  etc.  (Described  from 
Sennett's  and  Merrill's  Texas  specimens.)  Young:  much  darker  than  the  adults;  general 
plumage  blackish  brown,  on  the  under  parts  much  varied  with  white  and  buff;  but  recogniz- 


FA  L CONID.E  —  B  UTEONIN.E  :   B  fJZZA  RDS.  681 

able  by  the  hoary  gray  tail,  darker  toward  the  end,  with  nmneroiis  obsolete  dark  bars,  and 
whitish  or  buff  tip.  Nestlings  covered  with  sooty  brown  down,  quite  blackish  on  the  head, 
lighter  on  posterior  upper  parts,  buffy  white  below.  A  tiiu!  large  Hawk  of  the  warmer  parts 
of  America,  N.  to  Texas,  and  also  known  to  breed  in  southern  Arizona  (Auk,  Oct.  1899, 
p.  352,  and  Oct.  1897,  p.  403).  It  is  very  unlike  any  other  of  this  country.  It  abounds  in 
the  lower  parts  of  Te.xas,  where  it  breeds  from  February  to  July  indifferently,  placing  the  large 
bulky  nest  of  sticks  and  grasses  on  low  trees  and  bushes  ;  eggs  2  or  3,  about  2.35  X  1-90,  dull 
white,  immaculate,  or  only  very  lightly  marked  with  pale  brownish  and  neutral  lint,  and  thus 
differing  from  ordinary  Buzzard  eggs;  they  are  also  large  for  the  size  of  the  bird.  B.  albocau- 
datiis  of  2d-4th  eds.  of  the  Key,  p.  542;  B.  alhiccmdatm  A.  O.  U.  List,  1st  ed.  1886;  B.  ulhi- 
caudatns  sennetti  Allen,  Bull.  Amer.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist,  v,  1893,  p.  144  ;  A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed. 
1895,  No.  341.  The  species  is  type  of  tlie  subgenus  Tuclujtriorohis  Kaup,  1844;  but  it  is  an 
oversight  in  the  arrangement  of  tlie  A.  0.  U.  List  to  bring  B.  swainsoni  and  B.  latissimus  under 
this  subgenus,  as  they  belong  to  Buteo  jiroper.  Sharjie  raises  Tachytriorchis  to  full  generic 
rank,  and  restricts  it  to  alhocaudatiis  and  abbreviatus,  in  Cat.  B.  Brit.  Mus.  i,  1874,  p.  101. 

(Subgenus  lirxEO.) 

?  B.  buteo.  CojiMOX  EuROPEAX  Buzzard.  Puttock.  Type  of  this  subgenus,  as  of  the 
whole  genus.  A  large  species,  having  4  primaries  emarginate  on  the  inner  web,  as  in  our 
B.  borealis  but  in  plumage  e.xtremely  variable,  most  resembling  B.  sicainsoni  as  described 
beyond,  and  sometimes  almost  identical  in  coloration  with  one  of  the  dark  ])hases  of  the  latter. 
Wing  15.50-ltJ.50  ;  tail  8.00-9.00.  Europe,  etc.  Said  to  have  occurred  once  in  Michigan. 
We  have  the  specimen,  unquestionably  of  tliis  species,  but  the  alleged  occurrence  is  open  to 
doubt.  See  the  case  as  set  forth  at  Icngtli  iu  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  i,  iS7G,  \^\>.  4-<i,  and 
pp.  32-39.  (Not  heretofore  allowed  in  tlie  Key.  A.  O.  U.  No.  [.33fi.].) 
B.  coo'peri?  (To  Dr.  J.  G.  Cooper.)  Cooper's  JiuzzAiiu  =s:  Archibutco  ferrugineus  ? 
Head,  neck,  and  whole  lower  parts  white;  feathers  of  head  and  neck  with  medial  longitudinal 
streaks  of  black,  the  white  prevailing  on  occiput  and  superciliary  region,  the  black  predomi- 
nating over  cheeks,  forming  a  mustache;  throat  with  fine  lanceidate  blackish  streaks;  sides 
of  breast  with  broader,  more  cuneate  markings  of  the  same ;  flanks  with  narrow,  lanceidate 
stripes,  these  extending  sparsely  across  abdomen ;  tibife  and  lower  tail-coverts  immaculate, 
inner  face  of  the  former  with  faint  specks.  Upper  plumage  in  general  dark  plumbeous-brown, 
inclining  to  black  on  back  ;  jjhunbeous  clearest  on  primaries,  whicli  are  uniformly  of  this 
color,  the  inner  ones  inclining  to  fine  cinereous.  Scapulars  and  wing-coverts  spattered  with 
white  beneath  the  surface.  Rump  black  ;  uj»))er  tail-coverts  white,  tinged  with  rufous,  and 
witli  irregular,  distant,  transverse  bars  of  blackish.  Tail  witli  light  rufous  prevailing,  but 
this  broken  up  by  longitudinal  daubs  and  washes  of  cinereous,  and  darker  mottlings  running 
Inngitiidinally  on  both  webs;  basally,  the  ground-color  approaches  white;  tip  wiiiti',  with  a 
di.stinct  but  very  irregular  subterminal  bar  of  black,  into  which  the  longitudinal  mottlings 
melt;  outer  webs  of  lateral  feathers  entirely  cinereous,  and  without  the  bhick  band.  T'nder 
side  of  wing  white,  with  a  large  black  space  on  lining  near  edge  ;  under  surfaces  of  ])rimaries 
white  anterior  to  their  emargination,  finely  mottled  with  ashy  atul  with  indistinct  transverse 
liands  terminally.  4th  quill  longest;  3d  shorter  than  5th;  2d  equal  to  (ith;  1st  er|ual  to  10th. 
Wiiiir  15.75;  tail  9  10;  tarsus  3.25;  middle  toe  1.70.  Santa  Clara  Co.,  California,  one  sp«ri- 
nien  known,  ))nd)ably  the  last  as  well  as  the  first;  for  I  suppose  tliis  to  be  ArchibuU-o  fcniigi- 
veus  (witli  or  without  a  mdaaUiaticc  of  Buteo  borealis),  with  aluiormally  ilemnled  tar.^i.  I  have 
carefully  examined  the  type  specimen,  but  condense  Mr.  Kidirway's  description  iu  preference  to 
constructiiiiT  a  new  one.  (No  new  light  has  been  thrown  mi  the  case  since  tlie  above  wiia 
peiiiie.l  tor   the  2cl  ed.    of  the  KeV  ;    meanwhile,   the  alleged   .specit's   h.us  been   relegati-d  to  tho 


682 


S  YS  TEMA  TIC   S  Y NOP  SIS.  —  RA  P  TOR  ES  —  A  CCIPI TRES. 


limbo  of  the  A.  0.  U.  Hypothetical  List  as  No.  14,  "  probably  the  light  phase  of  J5.  harlanV 
See  KiDGW.  Auk,  1884,  p.  253  ;  1885,  j).  165.) 

B.  har'laiii.  (To  Dr.  R.  Harlan.)  Harlan's  Buzzard.  ''  Black  Warrior."  Form 
strong  and  heavy,  like  horealis,  but  still  more  robust;  tibial  ]ilumes  unusually  developed, 
long  and  loose,  their  ends  reaching  to  or  beyond  base  of  toes  ;  lateral  toes  nearly  equal.  Four 
outer  primaries  with  inner  webs  cut.  Wing  14.25-15.75;  tail  8.8U-10.00:  culmen  r.OO ; 
tarsus  2.75-3.25  ;  middle  toe  1.50-1.70.  Nearly  uniform  black,  varying  from  a  sooty  to  a 
carbonaceous  tint,  with  more  or  less  concealed  pure  white.  Adult :  Tail  confusedly  mottled 
longitudinally  with  grayish,  dusky,  and  white,  often  tinged  or  mi.xed  with  rufous,  the  diflereut 
shades  varying  in  relative  amount  in  different  individuals  ;  a  subterminal  band  of  black. 
Young  :  Tail  grayish-brown,  crossed  by  about  9  very  regular  and  sharply  defined  broad  bands 
of  black  about  equal  in  width  to  gray  ones.  (Ridgway.)  Louisiana  and  Texas  to  Kansas ;  an 
obscure  species,  variously  interpreted  by  writers.  DiflFerent  "  black  hawks  "  have  been  called 
"  hai'lanif"  such  as  the  melanistic  phases  of  both  borealis  and  sivainsoni,  and  harlani  has  been 
supposed  to  be  not  different  from  borealis.  A  few  specimens  in  the  Smithsonian  Institution, 
identified  with  Audubon's  bird  by  Mr.  Ridgway,  agree  suificiently  with  the  plate  and  descrip- 
tion, and  the  alleged  species  may  contiime  to  stand  upon  its  own  demerits,  as  in  former  editions 
of  the  Key.  The  latest  theory  on  the  subject  extends  the  range  of  the  bird  from  Pennsylvania 
to  Central  America,  and  makes  it  out  to  be  a  subspecies  of  B.  borealis,  with  ^^cooperi"  for  a 
"  light  phase  "  of  itself.  B.  harlani  Aud.  folio  pi.  S6,  1830,  and  of  most  authors  ;  A.  0.  U. 
List,  1st  ed.  188(),  No.  338.  B.  borealis  harlani  Ridgw.  Auk,  Apr.  ]890,  p.  205;  A.  0.  U. 
List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  337  d. 

B.  borealis.  (Lat.  borealis,  northern.  Figs.  466,  467,  468.)  Red-tailed  Buzzard. 
"  Hen  Hawk."     Adult  ^  9  :   Upper  surface  of  tail  rich  chestnut,  with  white  tip  and  usually  a 

black  subterminal  zone, 
with  or  without  other  nar- 
rower and  more  or  less  im- 
perfect black  bars ;  some- 
times barred  throughout. 
From  below,  the  tail  ap- 
])ears  pearly  whitish  with 
a  reddish  tinge,  eitlier 
(juite  uniform,  or  barred 
throughout  with  whitish 
and  blackish.  In  general, 
9  with  most  barred  or 
completely  barred  tail,  ^ 
with  uniform  tail,  only 
subterminally  once-zoned. 
Upper  parts  blackish- 
brown,  with  indetermi- 
nate amount  of  light  va- 
riegation, gray,  fulvous, 
and  whitish;  feathers  of  liind  head  aud  nape  with  cottony  white  bases,  showing  when  dis- 
turbed; those  of  hind  neck  usually  with  fulvous  edging;  of  scapular  region  showing  most 
variegation  with  tawny  or  whitish,  or  both,  the  scapulars  and  adjoining  feathers  being  largely 
bai-red,  and  only  blackish  on  their  exposed  portions  ;  upper  tail-coverts  showing  much  tavrny 
and  white.  Ground  color  of  under  parts  white,  more  or  less  buff- toned  ;  dark  color  of  upper 
parts  reaching  nearly  or  quite  around  throat,  flanks  and  lower  belly  heavily  marked  with  dark 
brown  or  blackish,  but  a  large  pectoral  area,  with  tibia^  and  crissum,  mostly  free  from  mark- 


Fig.  4(;i>.  —  Red-tailed  Buzzard. 


FALC ONIDjE  —  BUTE ONINjE :  B UZZA RDS. 


683 


ings  —but  no  description  will  cover  tlie  latitude  of  cidoration.  Primaries  blackening  on  ex- 
posed portions,  for  the  rest  lighter  grayish-l)ro\vu,  dark-barred  across  botli  webs,  and  extensively 
white-areated  on  inner  webs  basally.  $  19.00-2:2.00;  extent  about  48.00;  wing  13.50-16.50 ; 
tail  8.50-10.00  ;  tarsus  2.50-3.00,  feathered  half-way  down  in  front.  9  larger,  21.00-24.00; 
extent  about  56.00 ;  wing  14.50-17.50 ;  tail  9.50-10.00.  $  9  ,  young  :  General  character  of 
upper  parts  same  as  in  adult,  but  less  variegated,  and  that  chiefly  with  whitish  and  buff,  in- 
stead of  grayish  and  fulvous  ;  upper  tail-coverts  more  regularly  barred  with  dark  and  white. 
Tail  entirely  different,  without  any  shade  of  red;  light  gray,  with  numerous  (6-10)  regular 
dark  bars,  and  narrow  white  tips  ;  the  gray  gradually  yields  to  the  chestnut  shade  with  reduc- 
tion, interruption,  or  extinction  of  all  these  bars  except  last  one.  Under  parts  somewhat  as  in 
adult,  but,  like  the  upper,  without  fulvous  or  rufous  shades;  usually  white,  unmarked  in  a 
large  pectoral  area,  with  circlet  of  throat  stripes,  and  pronounced  abdominal  zone  of  dark  or 
blackish  markings;  tibia?  spotted  or  not;  crissum  immaculate.  There  should  be  no  difficulty 
in  recognizing  tliis  Hawk  among  those  of  the  eastern   U.  S.   and   British   Provinces  in  any 


Fig.  4('i7.  —  Red-tailed  Buzzard,  nat.  size.     (Ad.  nat.  del.  E.  C.) 

plumage  ;  the  red  tail  of  the  adult  is  of  course  distinctive  ;  a  weakly  young  ^  might  raise  a 
doubt  with  reference  to  lineatus  (which  also  has  4  primaries  cut)  ;  iu  that  case,  notice  stout  tarsi, 
feathered  about  ^  <lowu  ;  decided  wiiite  pectoral  area,  free  from  spots,  circumscribed  by  dark 
markings,  especially  those  of  the  abdominal  zone  ;  and  absence  of  any  reddishuess  on  upper 
jiarts  or  wing-coverts.  Such  is  the  ordinary  "Hen  Hawk"  so  abundant  iu  eivstern  North 
America,  where  it  is  subject  to  comp(ir(ttirchj  little  variation.  In  the  West,  however,  where  it 
is  e<iually  numerous,  it  sports  almost  interminably  in  color,  not  always  coufornuibly  with  geo- 
graphical distribution.  Several  of  these  phases  have  received  special  naimcs,  as  given  beyond. 
The  tendency  is  to  melanism  and  erythrism,  the  extreme  case  of  which  '\^  cdUirus  of  C'assin. 
A  pure  borealis,  exactly  matching  the  normal  eastern  type,  is  seldom  seen  in  the  West.  Hut 
in  all  its  color- variation,  the  bird  preserves  its  s})ecific  characters  of  size  and  robust  ])roportions, 
being  thus  reatiily  distinguishable  from  the  smaller  and  weaker  species,  swdiiisotii,  iu  any  of 
the  endless  and  soiiiewiiat  paralhd  variaticuis  of  tlie  latter  (which,  moreover,  has  only  3  jirima- 
ries  cut).  Tiie  Hed-tail  as  a  species  is  resident  and  lireeds  tliroiii^'hoiit  its  rauu'e,  hut  there  is 
much  luiirr.itinu  of  individuals  to  and  tVoiii  its  extremes.      The  nest  is  usualiv  I'uilt  hit:l»   in  ;i 


684  SYSTEMATIC  SYNOPSIS.  -  RAPTORES  -  ACCIPITRES. 

tree,  a  bulky  mass  of  sticks  and  siiialler  twigs,  mixed  toward  the  centre  with  grass,  bark, 
leaves,  moss,  or  other  soft  material,  and  often  some  feathers.  Eggs  2,  3,  or  4,  about  2.40  X 
1.90,  with  a  difference  in  length  of  fully  0.40,  dull  whitish,  sometimes  with  only  a  few  pale 


Fig.  468.  — Red-tailed  Hawk. 


markings,  rarely  none,  oftenest  blotched  (sometimes  richly)  with  shades  of  brown ;  they  are 
laid  March-June,  but  mostly  April  and  May.     The  young  are  slow  to  acquire  their  perfect 


FA L COXID.'E  —  B  UTEONINM :    B  L'ZZA  RDS.  685 

plumage,  being  long  full-grown  before  the  red  appears  upon  the  tail,  and  this  usually  precedes 
the  fulvous  of  the  under  parts.  The  quarry  of  the  great  Rod-tail  is  humble,  chiefly  such  small 
mammals  as  mice,  moles,  j;hrews,  gophers,  squirrels,  or  rabbits,  much  less  often  birds  of  any 
kind,  or  pf)ultry  ;  also  many  reptiles  and  batrachians,  crustaceans,  and  a  great  variety  of  insects. 
The  bird  is  thus  highly  beneficial  to  the  agriculturist,  like  other  species  of  its  genus. 
B.  b.  kri'deri.  (To  John  Krider.)  Krider's  Ked-tail.  A  light-colored  form,  pure  white 
below,  or  nearly  so,  with  few  markings  or  none  on  belly,  and  subtcrminal  tail-bar  reduced  or 
obliterated;  tail  light  rufous  above;  much  white  in  plumage  of  upper  parts.  Higli  central 
plains,  U.  S.  and  probably  adjoining  Hritish  provinces,  E.  to  Minnesota,  Iowa,  and  even  Illi- 
nois, W.  to  Wyoming  and  the  Black  Hills  of  S.  Dakota,  where  I  liave  found  it  well  developed. 
It  is  the  opposite  extreme  from  cah(rns. 

B.  b.  calu'rus.  (Gr.  KaXoj,  kalos,  beautiful  ;  ovpa,  oura,  tail.)  Western  Red-tail. 
Black  Red-tail.  The  extreme  case  is  chocolate- brovvu  or  even  darker,  quite  unicolor,  with 
ri(di  red  tail  crossed  by  sevoral  black  bars;  from  which  erythro-melanisui  grading  insensibly 
into  ordinary  borealis.  The  usual  case  is  increas(^  over  borealis  of  dark  rufous  and  dusky 
shades  in  bars  and  spots  underneath,  particularly  on  flanks,  flags,  and  crissum,  and  presence 
of  other  than  the  subterminal  black  bar  on  tail.  One  case  is  chocolate-brown,  with  a  great 
reddish  blotch  on  breast  corresponding  in  extent  to  the  white  area  of  borealis  proper.  Western 
N.  Am.  at  large,  particularly  U.  S.  from  Rocky  Mts.  to  the  Pacific.  This  bird  is  Falco  buteo 
AuD.  Orn.  Biogr.  iv,  p.  508,  as  described  in  the  text,  but  not  his  pi.  372,  whicii  is  B.  sicainsoni. 
It  is  B.  montanun  Cass.  IB.iG,  and  in  Bd.  B.  N.  A.  1858,  ]>.  2G,  but  not  of  Nuttai.l,  1840. 
It  is  B.  swainsonii  Cass.  Hi.  1853,  }>,  98,  not  of  Bonaparte.  The  first  tenable  name  is  B. 
calurus  Cass.  1855  and  1858. 

B.  b.  <' lucasa'nus."  (Of  Cape  St.  Lucas.)  St.  Lucas  Red-tail.  A  light-cidored  form, 
like  krideri,  white  below,  tinged  with  rufous  on  the  tibite,  and  no  bhick  subterminal  bar  on 
the  tail.  Lower  California.  No  second  specimen,  matching  the  type,  has  been  found  in  this 
region,  whcvi^  calurus  abounds;  the  alleged  characters  are  an  iu^lividual  ])eculiarity,  and  the 
bird  should  be  dropped  from  our  Lists. 

B.  linea'tus.  (Lat.  lineatus,  striped.)  Red-shouldered  Blzzard.  Wintkk  Hawk. 
"  Chicken  Hawk."  "Hen  Hawk."  Adult  ^  <^ :  Feet  and  cere  chrome  yellow;  anterior 
tarsal  scales  tinged  with  greenish.  General  plumage  of  a  rich  fulvous  cast.  Above,  reddish- 
brown,  the  feathers  with  dark  brown  centres,  giving  the  prevailing  tone,  and  black  shafts  ;  head, 
neck,  and  entire  under  parts  orange-brown,  mostly  with  dark  shaft-lines  and  wliite  bars,  espe- 
cially on  the  lower  parts  anteriorly  ;  lesser  wing-coverts  rich  orange-brown  or  chestnut,  fonning 
a  conspicuous  area  on  bend  of  wing.  Quills  and  tail-feathers  black,  beautifully  marked  with 
white  ;  primaries  and  secondaries  with  white  spots  or  bars  on  both  webs  terminating  on  each  edge 
of  the  feather,  the  light  bars  which  cross  the  feather,  and  the  darker  intervening  spaces,  being 
Tnore  or  less  touched  with  reddish.  The  same  style  of  marking  on  wing-coverts ;  tail  crossed 
with  several  iiaiinw  white  bars,  an<l  tip  wliite.  Young:  Very  difi"erent ;  little  or  no  fulvous 
or  orange-brown;  above,  plain  dark  brown  ;  wing-patch  indicated  or  not;  head,  neck,  and  un- 
der parts  white  or  buffy-white,  fully  streaked  or  arrow-headed  with  dark  brown.  Tail  brown, 
crf)ssed  with  many  lighter  and  darker  bars,  former  mostly  tawny  on  outer  webs,  wliitish  on 
inner  wel)s;  wing-([uills  extensively  variegated  in  similar  pattern.  Length  of  ^  IS.OO-'Jd.tM)  ; 
extent  alnnit  40.00;  wing  11.50-13.50;  tail  7..")0-!t.00  ;  tarsus  2  75-3.25;  9  20.00-22.(M» ; 
extent  about  45. (»0;  winy  12.00-14.00;  tail  8.50-10.00.  There  is  much  variation  in  size  ; 
Florida  and  (iulf  specimens  are  very  small.  Nearly  as  hmg  as  borealis,  but  not  nearly  so 
lieavy  ;  tarsi  more  cxtensivtdy  denuded.  The  adult  of  this  hand.sonie  Hawk  is  unmistak- 
alde;  but  the  student  may  require  to  loidt  dosidy  after  tlie  young,  in  comparison  with  young 
Ik'rd-tails:  observe  smaller  size  and  slighter  "build,"  slenderer  and  less  feathered  feet,  more 
extensive  and  regular  streaking  on  the  under  parts,  where  tliere  is  no  pectoral  area  free  from 


686  SYSTEMATIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  RAPTORES  — ACCIPITRES. 

markings,  and  more  pronounced  spotting  of  wings  on  outer  webs  of  primaries.  Eastern  N.  Am., 
one  of  the  commonest  Hawks  of  the  U.  S..  especially  in  winter,  when  it  has  retired  from  the 
extreme  of  its  range  in  the  adjoining  British  Provinces  and  along  our  nortliern  border;  S.  into 
Mexico ;  breeds  throughout  range,  from  March  to  May,  according  to  latitude ;  food,  general 
habits,  and  nidification  similar  to  those  of  B.  horealis;  eggs  2-6,  oftenest  3,  next  oftenest  4, 
next  2,  rarely  .5,  most  rarely  6,  averaging  in  size  2.25  X  1-70,  ranging  from  2.05  to  2.35  in 
length,  and  in  breadth  from  1.65  to  1.85  ;  they  have  the  usual  wide  variation  in  markings,  and 
are  indistinguishable  on  the  whole  from  those  of  horealis,  though  averaging  smaller  and  more 
heavily  marked. 

B.  1.  al'leni.  (To  Dr.  J.  A.  Allen.)  Florida  Red-shouldered  Buzzard.  As^tated 
above,  and  in  the  Key,  2d  ed.  1884,  p.  546,  there  is  much  variation  in  size,  Florida  and  Gulf 
specimens,  and  generally  those  from  the  S.  Atlantic  States,  being  very  small.  Such  examples, 
having  the  ^  wing  12..50  or  less,  tail  8.00  or  )esr,  etc.,  have  received  the  above  name.  Breeds 
early  ;  eggs  laid  in  February  and  March,  averaging  2.00  X  1-67.  EiDCiw.  Pr.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus. 
vii,  Jan.  1885,  p.  514,  and  Man.  1887,  p.  235;  CouES,  Key,  3d  and  4th  eds.  1887-90,  p.  882  ; 

A.  0.  U.  Lists,  1886  and  1895,  No.  339  a. 

B.  1.  e'legans.  (Lat.  elegans,  choice.)  Western  Red-shouldered  Buzzard.  Red- 
bellied  or  Red-breasted  Hawk.  The  erythrism  oflineatus.  In  extreme  case,  whole  under 
plumage  rich  dark  reddish,  almost  obliterating  the  usual  markings ;  wings  and  tail,  however, 
still  elegantly  barred  with  white.  Rocky  Mts.  to  Pacific,  British  Columbia  to  N.  Mexico;  best 
developed  in  coast  region ;  no  appreciable  difterence  from  Uneatus  proper  in  habits,  nest,  or  eggs. 
B.  abbrevia'tus.  (Lat.  ahbreviatus,  shortened.)  Band-tailed  Buzzard.  Zone-tailed 
Hawk.  Adult  ^  9  •  Coal-black,  glossy  and  uniform  over  whole  body.  Tail  black ;  viewed 
above,  it  seems  to  be  crossed  with  3  zones  of  ashy-gray  or  slate-color,  increasing  in  width  and 
firmness  from  proximal  to  distal  one,  and  is  narrowly  tipped  with  white  ;  from  below,  there 
appear  3  pure  white  zones,  since  the  ashy  is  on  outer  webs  only  of  the  feathers  (both  webs  of 
middle  pair,  however),  and  the  white  is  on  inner  webs.  Plumage  of  head  snowy-white  at  the 
roots,  and  in  some  specimens,  probably  less  mature,  it  is  so  extensive  on  head,  neck,  and 
breast  as  to  appear  in  spots  on  the  least  disturbance  of  the  feathers.  The  wing-feathers  appear 
quite  black  in  the  fcdded  wing,  but  their  inner  webs  basally  acquire  the  usual  light  and  dark 
spacing,  with  more  or  less  whitish  nebulation,  or  white  areation.  The  feet  appear  to  be  yel- 
low, bill  mostly  dark.  Young  recognizably  similar;  but  tail  more  numerously  and  less  regu- 
larly banded,  and  the  inner  webs  of  the  feathers  mostly  white.  Length  of  (J  18.50-19.50; 
extent  47.50;  wing  1.5.00-16.00;  tail  8.50-9.00  ;  tarsus  2.50  ;  middle  toe  without  claw  1.60. 
9  larger:  Length  about  21.00 ;  extent  53.00;  wing  16..50-17.50 ;  tail  9.50-10.00 ;  tarsus  2.75. 
A  peculiar  Hawk,  very  unlike  any  other  of  the  U.  S.,  slightly  built  with  long  wings  and  tail; 
it  is  one  of  the  "  light  weights,"  yet  has  4  priinai-ies  cut  on  the  inner  webs.  South  and  Central 
America  through  Mexico  to  the  U.  S.  border  from  Texas  through  New  Mexico  and  Arizona  to 
southern  and  Lower  California,  being  usually  observed  as  a  summer  visitor  ;  first  found  within 
our  limits  by  Dr.  J.  G.  Cooper,  in  southern  California,  Feb.  23,  1862,  next  by  myself  on  the 
Hassayampa  River  in  Arizona,  Sept.  24,  1864.  Habits  and  food  not  peculiar  ;  nest  bulky  and 
coarse,  in  a  tree,  often  a  cottonwood  ;  eggs  1-3,  about  2.17  X  1-72,  faintly  bluish- white, 
normally  unmarked,  occasionally  spotted.  (B.  zonocercus  ScL.  P.  Z.  S.  1858,  p.  130;  Tr.  Z.  S. 
1858,  p.  263,  pi.  59;  Elliot,  B.  N.  A.  1869,  pi.  33;  Coop.  B.  Cal.  1870,  p.  479;  Coues, 
Key,  orig.  ed.  1872,  p.  217 ;  Ridgw.  Hist.  N.  A.  B.  iii,  1874,  p.  272.  B.  alhonotatus  Gray, 
1844.  B.  abhreviutus  Cab.  1848;  Coues,  Key,  2d-4th  eds.  1884-90,  p.  546;  Ridgw.  Man. 
1887,  p.  234;  A.  O.  U.  Lists,  J886  and  1895,  No.  340.) 

B.  swain'soni.  (To  Wm.  Swainson.)  CoMMON  American  Buzzard.  Sw^ainson's  Buz- 
zard. A  light-weight  Hawk,  with  only  3  primaries  cut  —  not  4,  as  in  the  foregoing  species  of 
Buteo.    Adult  ^  9  '•  Upper  parts  dark  brown,  very  variable  in  shade  according  to  season  or  wear 


FALCONIDM  —  BUTEONIX.E:   BUZZARDS.  687 

of  feathers,  varied  with  paler  browu,  or  even  reddish-hrowu  edgings  of  feathers,  but  without  the 
clear  fawn-color  of  the  young  ;  feathers  of  crowu  showing  whitish  when  disturbed,  and  usually 
sharp,  dark  shaft-lines;  upper  tail-coverts  chestnut  and  white,  with  blackish  bars.  Quills  and 
tail-feathers  as  below  described,  but  inner  webs  of  former  showing  more  decided  dark  cross-bars 
upon  a  lighter  marbled-whitish  ground,  and  latter  having  broader  and  sharper,  dark  wavy 
bars.  These  large  quills,  and  particularly  those  of  tail,  vary  mucli  in  shade  according  to  wear, 
new  feathers  being  strongly  slate-colored,  old  ones  plain  dark  brown.  The  tail,  however, 
never  shows  any  trace  of  the  rich  chestnut  that  obtains  in  adult  borealis  ;  and  neither  wing 
nor  tail  ever  has  anything  Wkv  the  orange  brown  and  pure  white  of  B.  Uneatits.  Iris  brown, 
never  yellow;  feet,  cere,  gape,  and  base  of  under  mandible  ricli  chrome-yellow;  rest  of  bill  and 
claws  bluish-black.  Adult  ^•.  Under  parts  showing  a  broad  pectoral  area  of  bright  chestnut, 
usually  with  a  glaucous  cast,  and  sharp,  black  shaft-lines ;  this  area  contrasting  sharply  with 
])ure  white  throat.  Other  under  parts  white,  more  or  less  tinged  and  varied,  in  different  speci- 
mens, with  light  chestnut.  In  some  ^  ^,  this  chestnut  is  diminished  to  traces,  chiefly  in  flank- 
liars  and  arrow-heads,  and  the  white  throat  is  immaculate;  in  others,  the  throat  shows  blackish 
])cncilling,  and  the  rest  of  the  under  parts  are  so  much  marked  with  chestnut,  chiefly  in  cross- 
bars, that  this  color  predominates  over  white,  and  api)ears  in  direct  continuation  of  the  pectoral 
area  itself.  Some  featliers  of  this  area  are  commonly  dark  brown.  Length  19.00-20.00;  ex- 
tent about  49.00 ;  wing  15.00  or  a  little  more  ;  tail8..jO;  tarsus  2.50;  middle  toe  without  claw 
1.50.  Adult  9=  Much  darker  underneatli  than  J";  throat  pure  wliite,  but  other  under  parts 
})r<)bably  never  wliitening  decidedly.  Pectoral  area  from  rich  dark  chestnut  or  mahogauy- 
C(d(ir,  mi.xed  with  still  darker  feathers,  to  brownish-black;  other  under  parts  heavily  marked 
with  chestnut,  chiefly  in  cross-bars  alternating  with  whitish,  but  on  flanks,  and  sometimes 
across  belly,  these  markings  quite;  blacki.sh.  The  general  tone  of  the  under  parts  may  be  quite 
as  dark  as  the  pectoral  area  of  J',  but  lacks  uniformity,  and  increased  depth  of  color  of  pectoral 
area  in  this  sex  suffices  to  preserve  the  strong  contrast  already  mentioned-  Length  20.00- 
22.00  ;  extent  50.0()-.')4.00  ;  wing  15.00-10.50 ;  tail  9.00.  Changes  of  plumage  with  age  affect 
chiefly  under  parts;  back,  wings,  and  tail  are  more  nearly  alike  at  all  times.  In  darkest 
phase  plumage  of  a  sooty-brown.  Young  ^  2-  Entire  upper  parts  dark  brown,  everywhere 
varied  with  tawny  edgings  of  individual  feathers.  The  younger  the  bird,  the  more  marked 
is  the  variegation  ;  it  corresponds  in  tints  closely  with  color  of  under  parts,  being  palest  iu 
very  young  examples.  Under  parts,  including  lining  of  wings,  nearly  uniform  fawn-cidor 
(pale  dull  yellowish-brown),  thickly  and  sharply  nuirked  with  blackish-brown.  These  large 
dark  spots,  for  tlie  most  part  circular  or  guttiforin,  crowd  across  forebreast,  scatter  on  middle 
belly,  enlarge  to  cross-bars  on  flanks,  become  broad  arrow-heads  on  lower  belly  and  tibia;, 
and  are  wanting  on  throat,  which  is  only  uuirked  with  a  shar{),  narrow,  blackish  pencilling 
along  the  median  line.  Quills  brownish-black,  outer  webs  witli  an  ashy  shade,  inner  webs 
toward  base  grayish,  paler,  and  marbled  with  white,  and  also  showing  obscure  dark  cross- 
bars; their  shafts  black  on  top,  nearly  white  underneath.  Tail-feathers  like  quills,  but  more 
decidedly  shaded  with  ashy  or  slate-gray,  and  tipped  with  whitish;  their  numerous  dark 
cross-bars  show  more  plainly  tlian  those  of  the  (]uills,  but  are  not  .so  evident  as  tliey  are  iu  old 
birds.  Nestlings  are  covered  with  white  flull'y  down.  Western  X.  Am.,  Mississippi  Valh'y 
to  the  Pacific,  abundant;  in  many  regions  the  commonest  and  most  characteristic  of  the 
large  Hawks;  occasionally  E.  tlirough  tht;  northern  States  to  New  England;  N.  to  Hudson's 
IJay  and  the  Fur  countries,  incduding  Alaska;  S.  to  Central  and  Soutli  America.  Habits 
nowi.se  different  from  those  of  other  large  Hawks  of  this  genus;  food  mainly  small  mammals, 
reptiles,  and  insects,  especially  the  gra.sshoppers  and  large  crickets  which  abound  in  the  We.st. 
It  is  a  resident  bird  in  most  localities,  but  migratory  from  extremes  of  its  ranjre :  the  breeding 
sea.son  is  mostly  May  and  June,  extended  to  July  in  uortlierly  regions,  but  includes  April  and 
j)art  of  March  in  southerly  localities.     Nests  indifferently  on  the  ground,  cliffs,  bushes,  trees  ; 


688 


SYSTEMA  TIC  SYNOPSIS.— RAPTORES —  ACCIPITRES. 


iiost  iudistinguisbable  from  that  of  other  hirge  Hawks  ;  eggs  usually  2  —  I  have  never  found 
more,  sometimes  only  one,  but  there  are  many  clutches  of  3,  and  a  few  of  4  eggs;  they  are 
about  2.25  X  1.75,  resembling  hen's  eggs,  being  nearly  colorless  and  unmarked,  like  those  of 
the  Marsh  Hawk;  sometimes  stained  or  obsoletely  spotted  M'ith  rusty-brownish,  or  other  dull 
shades,  but  seldom  marked  all  over  or  boldly  Ijlotched  anywhere.  This  Buzzard  represents 
the  European  B.  vulgaris  (tig.  4G9)  in  N.  Am.,  being,  in  fact,  little  different  in  plumage, 
though  with  only  3  instead  of  4  primaries  cut.  (It  is  Falco  buteo  Aud.  folio  pi.  372,  not  of 
his  text,  which  describes  the  Western  Red-tail;  B.  vulgaris  Sw.  F.  B.  A.  pi.  27;  AuD.  8vo 
pi.  6,  not  of  the  text ;  B.  montanus  Nutt.  1840,  not  of  authors ;  B.  bairdi  Hoy  (young)  ; 
B.  oxypterus  Cass,  (young) ;  B.  insignatus  Cass.  111.  pi.  31  (melanistic)  ;  B.  gutturalis 
Maxim.  ;  B.  obsoletus  Sharpe,  1874  (not  Falco  obsoletus  Gm.). 

B.  latis'simus.  (Lat.  very  broad  or  wide,  superlative  degree  of  latus,  wide ;  referring  to  the 
expanse  of  the  win<,'s.)     Broad-winged  Buzzard.     Adult  ^  ^ :    Above,  dark  brown,  the 

feathers  with  blackish  shaft-lines,  and  pale  grayish-brown 
or  even  lighter  edgings,  those  of  hind  head  and  nape  cot- 
tony-white basally  ;  usually  also  some  feathers  with  ful- 
vous edgings,  especially  on  hind  neck  ;  upper  tail-coverts 
barred  or  spotted  with  white.  Primaries  and  secondaries 
blackish  on  outer  webs  and  at  ends,  most  of  the  inner 
webs  white  in  large  area,  more  or  less  perfectly  barred 
with  dusky  ;  concealed  parts  of  scapulars  thus  barred  on 
both  webs.  Exposed  portion  of  tail  with  three  blackish 
zones,  terminal  one  broadest,  alternating  narrower  pale 
gray  or  grayish-white  zones,  one  of  these  terminal;  from 
below  these  zones  appear  whitish,  but  from  above  gray- 
ish. Under  parts  mixed  white  and  fulvous-brown,  or  dull 
chestnut,  the  latter  nearly  as  pronounced  as  in  lineatus, 
the  pattern  being  rather  that  of  Accipiter  fuscus  or  A. 
cooperi;  fulvous  in  excess  anteriorly,  white  prevailing 
posteriorly  aud  nearly  or  quite  immaculate  on  crissum ; 
nuddle  regions  with  white  in  oval  paired  spots  or  incom- 
plete bars  on  each  feather,  flanks  and  tibia?  pretty  regu- 
larly barred  with  the  two  colors;  most  of  the  feathers 
black-shafted,  producing  a  fine  pencilling,  this  black  in- 
creasing to  decided  streaking  on  white  throat,  and  forming 
noticeable  maxillary  patches.  Lining  of  wings  mostly 
white,  l)ut  with  some  reddish  aud  blackish  spotting.     Bill 

\|^HH^^^^^^^p^    \^  "3j^    mostly  dark ;   feet  yellow ;    claws  black.     Length  of  $ 
\^Bii|||||||Pi^^^^g^ .        about    14.00;    extent    33.00;    wing   10.00-11.00;    tail 

G. 50-7. 00;  tarsus  2.30;  middle  toe  witliout  claw  1.20. 
9  larger;  length  up  to  18.00;  wing  11.00-11.50;  tail 
7.00-8.00.  Young:  Differs  as  usual  in  the  genus,  in 
lacking  special  colt)ratiou  and  pattern  of  under  parts, 
tail-pattern  ditlerent,  wing-pattern  much  the  same.  Upper  parts  blackish-brown,  highly 
variegated  with  fulvous,  tawny,  or  whitish  edgings  of  all  the  featliers,  on  head  and  neck  the 
light  and  darli  colors  in  streaks  about  balancing  each  other.  Under  parts  white,  more  or 
less  buff-toned,  with  more  or  fewer  linear  or  clubbed  fuscous  markings  on  breast  and  sides, 
changing  to  arrow-heads  on  flanks  and  sides,  the  amount  of  this  marking  wholly  indeterminate. 
Tail  crossed  with  numerous  light  and  dark  bars  (six  or  eight  of  each  exposed),  on  both  webs 
of  middle  feathers  and  outer  webs  of  the  others;  those  on  inner  webs  largely  white,  with  con- 


FlG.  469.  —  Jiuteo  vuJynris  ot  Europe, 
J  nat.  size ;  not  distinguishable  in  tlie  cut 
from  one  of  the  plumages  of  B.  swainsoni. 
(From  Brehm.) 


FALCONID.E  —  BUTEONIN^:   BUZZARDS.  689 

sequently  better  pronounced  dark  bars;  all  the  feathers  tipped  with  white;  dark  moustaches 
much  as  in  the  adults.  Eastern  N.  Am.,  N.  to  New  Brunswick  on  the  coast,  to  the  regif»n  of  the 
Saskatchewan  in  the  interior,  W.  to  the  Great  Plains  of  the  U.  S.,  S.  in  winter  through  Middle 
America  and  in  some  of  tlie  West  Indies  in  winter ;  common  on  the  whole,  especially  in  wood- 
land, but  irregularly  distributed;  migratory  from  the  extremes  of  its  range.  A  small  but  stout 
Bideo,  with  ample  wings  and  tail,  with  only  3  primaries  cut,  very  different  from  any  of  the 
foregoing,  easily  recognized  by  size  and  proportions,  aside  from  color.  A  large  9  resembles  a 
small  $  lineatus  in  some  respects,  but  the  difference  is  too  great  to  require  detailed  comparison. 
The  breeding  range  is  coincident  with  the  distribution  of  the  bird  in  N.  Am. ;  the  season  for 
eggs  is  May  in  most  latitudes,  but  begins  early  in  April  at  the  South,  and  extends  into  June  at 
the  North.  Nest  in  a  tree,  nowise  peculiar  iu  situation  or  construction  ;  eggs  2-5,  oftenest  2  or 
3,  averaging  1.95  X  1-55,  grayish  or  faintly  greenish  white,  heavily  marked  with  browns  as  a 
rule,  sometimes  obsoletely  spotted  with  neutral  tints,  rarely  almost  immaculate.  {B.  ijennayl- 
vanicus  of  former  eds.  of  the  Key,  as  of  most  authors ;  but  Wilson  had  given  this  specific  name 
to  Accipiter  fuscus  when  he  applied  it  also  to  this  Biiteo,  and  we  therefore  now  take  latissimus, 
given  by  his  editor,  Ord,  in  later  copies  of  his  work.) 

(Subgenus  Buteola.) 

B.  brachyu'rus.  (Gr.  ^paxvs,  brachus,  short;  ovpd,  oura,  tail.)  Short-tailed  Buzzard, 
iu  melanistic  plumage  called  the  FULIGTNOUS  Buzzard  and  Little  Black  Hawk.  Of 
small  size,  not  over  16  00;  wing  under  13.50.  Point  of  primaries  extending  beyond  seconda- 
ries less  than  ^  the  length  of  wing;  3d,  4th,  and  5th  quills  longest;  1st  shorter  than  8th ; 
1st,  2d,  and  3d  primaries  einarginate  on  inner  web  ;  4th  with  inner  web  sinuate.  Tarsi  bare  in 
flout  fur  a  less  distance  than  length  of  middle  toe  without  claw.  Occurs  in  two  phases,  light 
and  dark.  Light  phase:  Ad.  $  9  •  Above,  blackish-brown  ;  ctmcealed  bases  of  occipital  featii- 
ers  pure  white;  forehead  and  most  of  sides  of  head,  white;  below,  entirely  white,  except  some 
dark  markings  on  each  side  of  the  breast,  in  the  form  of  a  rufous  (jr  grayisli-brown  patch,  with 
or  witliout  dusky  shaft-lines.  Tail  with  black  bands  mostly  broader  than  the  grayish  or 
brownish  interspaces,  which  are  5  to  7  in  number,  and  narrowly  tipped  with  white.  Bill  black 
with  bluish  base;  cere  and  feet  yellow;  iris  brown  ^,  wing  10.50-12.00;  tail  G. 00-7. 00  ; 
bill  0.70;  tarsus  2.25;  middle  toe  without  claw  1.35.  9,  wing  11.50-13.00;  tail  7.00  or 
more.  Young  $  9-  Above,  grayish-brown,  most  of  the  feathers  margined  with  tawny;  sides 
of  head  and  neck  streaked  with  the  same  ;  whole  of  under  parts  tinged  with  tawny,  immacu- 
late, or  streaked  with  brown,  but  no  definite  patches  on  sides  of  breast.  Tail  with  bars  nmre 
numerous  and  less  firm  than  in  the  adult.  Dark  2)hase  :  Adult  9-  Resembling  ahhreviatus  iu 
being  blackish  or  fuliginous  all  over,  but  entirely  another  bird,  belonging  to  a  different  section 
of  the  genus.  Ctdor  fuliginous,  or  dark  umber-brown,  nearly  uniform,  but  barred  on  under 
wing-  and  tail-coverts  with  white  ;  feathers  of  hind  head  and  nape  fleecy-white  at  base ;  the 
cdliir  blackening  on  exposed  surfaces  of  primaries,  inner  webs  of  which  are  extensively  whi- 
teneil,  with  tlie  usual  dark  bars;  little  wliite,  however,  on  secondaries,  excepting  inner  ones, 
most  of  them  being  simply  spaced  gray  or  light  brown  between  their  dark  bars.  Tail-pattern 
as  usual  in  young  Hawks  of  this  genus,  there  being  numerous  (6  or  8  exj)osed)  blackish  and 
lighter  grayish  bars  alternating,  subterminal  one  of  each  broadest,  whide  tail  tipped  with 
grayish-white  ;  inner  webs  of  all  the  feathers  excepting  central  pair  whitening  in  the  spaces 
between  the  dark  bars.  Length  10.00;  wing  1300;  tail  7.00;  tarsus  2.00.  (Descrilu'd  fnnn 
\o.  12,117,  Mus.  Smiths.  Inst.,  from  Mazatlan,  Mexico,  agreeing  with  B.  fuliginosus  ScL. 
I'.  Z.  S.  1858,  p.  35(5;  Tr.  Z.  S.  18.58,  )).  2(17,  \A.  Ixii  ;  a  bird  once  supposed  to  be  the  ijoung 
of  the  same  is  B.  oxgjiterus  Cass.  Pr.  Phila.  Acad.  1855,  p.  283;  both  are  treated  as  one  vari- 
ety of  B.  swriinsoni  by  HiDOW.  Hist.  N.  A.  B.  iii,  1874,  p.  2(i(i.  See  Ibis,  Oct.  187(5,  p.  477  : 
Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Oct.  1881,  p.  207  ;  I'r.   V.  S.  Nat.  Mus.  viii,  1885,  p.  75;  Auk,  Jan. 

44 


690  SYSTEMATIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  RAPTORES  —  ACCIPITRES. 

1890,  p.  90.  Mexican  border,  Florida,  and  southward  through  Central  and  most  of  South 
America ;  not  known  to  occur  in  the  West  Indies.  Breeds  regularly  in  Florida,  nesting  in 
trees  in  March  and  April;  eggs  1-3,  2.15  X  I.H5,  greenish  white,  moderately  spotted  witli  rich 
brown. 

AKCHIBU'TEO.  (Lat.  archi-,  from  Gr.  apxos,  archos,  a  leader,  chief;  buteo,  a  buzzard.) 
Hare-footed  Buzzards.  Characters  of  Buteo  proper,  but  tarsi  featliered  in  front  to  toes, 
naked  and  reticulate  along  a  strip  behind.  Wings  very  long;  3d  and  4th  quills  longest;  1st 
shorter  than  7tli ;  4  or  5  emarginate  on  inner  webs.  A  small  group,  well  marked  by  character 
of  feet.  Tlie  species  are  among  the  largest  of  the  Buzzard-hawks,  but  are  rather  dull  heavy 
birds,  preying  upon  humble  quarry,  especially  small  quadrupeds,  reptiles,  and  insects. 

Anali/sis  of  Species. 

Below,  white,  variously  dark-marked,  and  often  with  a  broad  black  abdominal  zone,  but  generally  no  ferruginous ; 
in  melanotic  state,  whole  plumage  nearly  uniform  blackish.     (Aechibuteo  proper.)      .     .     lugopus  sancti-johiinnis 

Below,  pure  white,  scarcely  or  not  marked,  excepting  that  the  legs  are  rich  rufous  with  black  bars,  in  marked  con- 
trast ;  above,  varied  with  dark  brown,  chestnut,  and  white ;  quills  brown,  vdth  much  white :  tail  silvery-ash  and 
white,  clouded  with  brown  or  rulbus.     {Subgenus  Brewsteria.) Jerrugineus 

(Subgenus  Archibuteo  :    Rough-legs.) 

A.  lago'pus  sancti-johan'nis.  (Gr.  AaywTrovs,  lagopoiis,  hare-footed  ;  Lat.  sancti-johannis, 
of  St.  John,  Newfoundland.  Figs.  470,  471,  472.)  American  Rough-legged  Buzzard. 
"  Black  Hawk."  Adult  ^  9  •  '-Too  variable  in  plumage  to  be  concisely  described.  In  gen- 
eral, whole  plumage  with  dark  brown  or  blackish  and  light 
brown,  gray,  or  whitish,  the  lighter  colors  edging  or  barring 
the  individual  feathers  ;  tendency  to  excess  of  whitish  on 
head,  and  to  formation  of  a  dark  abdominal  zone  or  area 
M'liich  may  or  may  not  include  tibipe ;  usually  a  blackish 
anteorbital  and  maxillary  area.  Lining  of  wings  exten- 
sively blackish.  Tail  usually  white  from  base  for  some 
distance,  then  with  dark  and  light  barring.  Inner  webs 
of  flight-feathers  extensively  white  from  base,  usually  with 
little  if  any  of  the  dark  barring  so  prevalent  among  bu- 
teonine  Hawks.  From  such  a  light  and  variegated  plu- 
mage as  this,  the  bird  varies  to  more  or  less  nearly  uniform 
blackish,  in  which  case  the  tail  is  usually  barred  several 
times  with  white.  Our  lighter-colored  birds  are  not  fairly 
separable  from  normal  European  lagopus  ;  but  our  birds 
Fig.  470.  —  American  Rough-legged  average  darker,  and  their  frequent  melanism  does  not  ap- 
Buzzard.    (L.  A.  Fuertes.)  pgj^j.  ^^  often  befall  the  European  stock.     But  in  any  plu- 

mage the  Eough-leg  is  known  at  a  glance  from  nuy  Buteo  by  feathered  shanks;  while  the 
peculiar  coloration  of  ferrugineus  is  highly  distinctive  of  the  latter.  Length  of  9  ?  22.00  ;  ex- 
tent 54.00;  wing  17.50;  tail  9.00;  iris  light  brown;  bill  mostly  blackish-blue;  cere  pale 
greenish-yellow;  feet  dull  yellow;  claws  blue-black.  ^  averages  smaller;  length  20.00- 
22.00;  wing  16.00-17.00.  The  name  adopted,  it  must  be  observed,  is  not  intended  to  discrimi- 
nate tlie  black  from  the  ordinary  plumage,  but  to  separate  the  American  bird  subspecifically 
from  tlie  European.  (The  latter  has  been  supposed  to  occur  in  its  typical  form  in  Alaska, 
and  is  carried  in  both  editions  of  the  A.  O.  U.  List,  1886  and  1895,  as  No.  [347.]  ;  but  I  can- 
not admit  it  to  the  Key  upon  any  such  evidence  as  that  which  has  been  adduced.)  N.  Am., 
at  large,  common,  especially  in  fertile,  well-watered  regions,  as  those  of  the  Atlantic  seaboard  ; 
a  large,  heavy,  and  somewhat  sluggish  Hav/k,  haunting  meadows  and  marshes,  to  some  ex- 


FALCONID.E  —  B UTEONIN.E :   B UZZA R DS. 


691 


Ki.i.  171.  —  Itliiik   Hinvk.     (From  Tlip  OHpn-y.) 


692 


SYSTEMA  TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  RAPTORES  -  A  CCIPITRES. 


tent  crepuscular  in  habits,  of  low,  easy,  and  almost  noiseless  fliglit ;  preying  upon  insignifi- 
cant quarry,  particularly  small  rodent  and  insectivorous  mammals,  reptiles,  batrachians,  and 
insects.  With  us  it  is  only  a  migrant  in  spring  and  fall,  and  a  winter  resident,  breeding  almost 
entirely  north  of  the  U.  S.  (excepting  Alaska);  but  doubtless  nests  near  our  northern  border  as 
it  does  rarely  on  it,  as  in  North  Dakota.     Nest  usually  in  trees,  but  frequently  on  a  ledge  of 


V^^^^^^_^ 


Fio.  472.  — Rough-legged  Buzzard,  J  nat.  size.     (From  Brehm.) 


rocks  or  the  edge  of  a  cut-bank;  a  bulky  mass  of  interlaced  sticks,  with  softer  matted  material 
of  miscellaneous  kinds;  eggs  2-5,  ordinarily  3  or  4,  laid  late  in  May  and  in  June,  2.05-2.45 
X  1.65-1.85,  averaging  2.25  X  1.80;  varying  in  color  from  dingy  whitish  with  scarcely  any 
marking,  or  but  faint  clouding,  to  creamy-white  boldly  variegated  with  blotches  and  washes 
of  dark  brown  on  the  surface,  with  neutral-tiut  markings  in  the  substance  of  the  shell. 


{Subgenus  Brewstekia.) 

A.  ferrugi'neus.  (Lat.  ferrngo,  iron-rust.)  Ferruginous  Rough-legged  Buzzard. 
"  California  Squirrel  Hawk."  "  Eagle  Hawk."  Adult  $  9  :  Below,  pure  white  from 
bill  to  end  of  tail;  legs  rich  rufous  or  bright  chestnut  barred  with  black,  in  marked  contrast ; 
usually  a  few  chestnut  bars  or  arrow-heads  on  belly  and  flanks,  and  breast  with  sharp  shaft 
lines  of  black.     The  older  the  bird  tlie  purer  white  below,  with  more  perfect  contrast  of  chest- 


FALCONIDM  —  BUTEONIN^:  BUZZARDS.  693 

uut  legs;  9  rotaiuing  marks  of  immaturity  longer  than  $\  these  consisting  in  extension  of 
black -barred  chestnut  markings  on  to  belly,  flanks,  and  even  more  of  the  under  parts,  and 
spreading  of  fine  shaft-lines  ou  breast  into  ordinary  streaks.  Tail  silvery-white  below,  above 
white  at  base  and  extreme  tip,  iu  most  of  its'  extent  clouiled  with  silvery-ash  and  more  or  less 
tinged  with  fei-ruginous.  Back,  rump,  and  wing-coverts  mixed  blackish  and  bright  chestnut 
in  varying  but  about  equal  amounts,  the  foraier  color  making  central  markings  on  the  exposed 
portion  of  each  feather,  the  chestnut  yielding  tt)  white  at  bases  of  the  feathers.  Top,  back, 
and  sides  of  head  streaked  with  blackish  and  white  iu  about  equal  amounts,  the  feathers  being 
cottony-white,  with  djirk  streaks  or  spaces  ou  their  exposed  portions.  Primaries  blackish, 
with  a  glaucous  bloom  on  outer  webs,  their  shafts  almost  entirely  white  ;  several  outer  ones 
with  extensive  pure  white  areation  on  inner  webs;  inner  primaries  and  secondaries  continuing 
this  pattern,  but  with  more  or  less  evident  ashy  spacing  between  blackish  bars,  as  usual  in 
buteonine  Hawks.  Length  of  ^,  22.50;  extent  54.50  ;  wing  16.75;  tail  9.25;  tarsus  2.75; 
length  of  9  ,  2-J..50  ;  extent  56.50  ;  wing  17.25  ;  tail  9.75.  Iris  pale  brownish  to  light  yellow; 
cere  and  feet  bright  yellow  ;  bill  dark  bluish  horn-color,  very  stt)Ut ;  mouth  purplish  tiesh- 
color,  and  very  capacious,  measuring  from  corner  to  corner  of  the  gape  about  J. 80;  this  is  the 
chief  character  of  the  subgenus  Brewsteria  (iu  the  common  Rough-leg  the  same  measurement 
is  only  about  1.40).  Third  and  4th  quills  subequal  and  longest ;  2d  between  5th  and  6th  ;  1st 
about  equal  to  8th  ;  lst-4th  abruinly  emarginate  on  inner  webs;  2d-5th  sinuate  on  outer  webs. 
The  foregoing  is  from  a  fine  pair  I  procured  in  Arizona  in  1864.  Young  :  less  rufous  above, 
and  almost  entirely  wliite  below,  the  fiags  scarcely  variegated  or  contrasted;  upper  parts 
brownish-gray,  with  rusty  or  tawny  edgings  of  the  feathers  ;  tail  the  same  in  ground  color, 
but  whitening  toward  the  base  and  on  the  inner  webs,  and  with  several  infirm  dark  bands. 
There  is  a  melanistic  or  rather  erythrisinal  pliase,  in  which  tlie  bird  becomes,  except  on  the  tail, 
chocolate-brown,  more  or  less  variegated  with  rusty-brown.  In  perfect  plumage  this  is  one 
of  tlie  largest,  handsomest,  and  most  distinctively  marked  Hawks  of  North  America,  somewhat 
recalling  Biiteo  albocaudatns  ;  common  in  the  West,  from  the  region  of  the  Red  River  of  the 
North  and  of  the  Saskatchewan  to  Texas  and  into  Mexico,  and  from  the  Plains  to  the  Pacific; 
sometimes  even  E.  of  the  Mississippi,  as  in  Illinois  :  resident  as  a  species  iu  most  of  its  range, 
and  breeding,  but  migratory  to  some  extent.  Nesting  and  habits  nowise  peculiar,  as  com- 
pared with  those  of  other  large  Ilawlcs  ;  nest  in  trees,  or  on  ledges  and  cut-banks,  composed  of 
sticks,  with  matted  linhig  of  various  softer  materials,  and  sometimes  acquiring  immense  size, 
like  those  of  the  Osprey;  eggs  2-5,  oftener  3  or  4,  averaging  2.55  X  1.95,  thus  larger  than 
those  of  the  other  species,  but  indistinguishable  and  equally  variable  in  markings  ;  they  are 
mostly  laid  from  the  middle  of  April  to  that  of  May. 

ASTURl'NA.  (Modified  from  Lat.  astiir,  a  hawk.)  Star  Btzzauds.  General  characters 
of  Biiteu,  in  ])n)portions,  l)Ut  system  of  coloration  as  iu  Astitr  :  sexes  alike;  adults  ashy,  with 
black,  white-barred  tail;  under  parts  closely  barred  crosswise  witli  ashy  and  white;  young 
diii'erent,  under  parts  marked  lengthwise  with  blackish  on  a  whitish  ground.  Wings  short  for 
this  subfamily;  3d,  4th,  and  5th  quills  longest,  1st  very  short;  outer  4  emarginate  ou  inner 
webs;  2d-5th  cut  on  outer  webs.  Tail  even,  long,  about  f  the  wing.  Legs  longer  than  usual 
iu  Bntconince,  more  nearly  as  in  Accipitrincc  ;  feet  stout;  tarsus  scutellate  before  and  half-way 
np  behind,  shortly  feathered  above  in  front,  elsewhere  strongly  reticulate.  A  small  group  of 
handsome  under-sized  Hawks,  peculiar  to  America. 

A.  pliiKisi'ta.  (Lat  plagata,  striped.)  GuAV  Stau  l?fz/.AKD.  Mexican  Gosiiawk. 
Adult  (J  9  •  Upi)er  j)arts  nearly  uniform  cinereous,  or  light  jjlumbeous,  tiie  feathers  dark-shafted, 
and  with  nearly  obsolete  undulations  of  lighter  ash;  upjier  tail-coverts  in  part  white.  Tail 
black,  with  .several  white  zones,  sonu'tiuu'S  broken,  and  white  or  whitish  tip.  Under  parts,  in- 
I'luding  tibia',  white,  beautifully  and  clo.sely  cross-barred  with  dark  ash,  except  upon  throat  and 
crissum;  some  of  the  feathers  al.-n  dark-shafted.        Lining  of  wings  white,  less  closely  barred 


694  SYSTEMATIC   SYNOPSIS.— RAPTORES  — ACCIPITRES. 

with  ashy.  Primaries  darkoniug  from  cok)r  of  back,  tlieir  inner  webs  spaced  lighter  and  darker, 
and  with  extensive  white  areation,  which  characters  increase  on  secondaries.  Iris  brown  ;  cere 
and  feet  bright  yellow;  bill  and  claws  blue-black.  Wing  of  $  10.00;  tail  7.00;  tarsus  2.75; 
middle  toe  without  claw  1.50.  Length,  16.00-18.00.  Wing  of  9  11.00;  tail  8.00.  Young: 
Blackish-brown  above,  much  variegated  with  reddish -buff ;  white  upper  tail- coverts  spotted 
with  blackish;  below,  whitish,  dashed  witli  large  blackish  marks;  Hags  barred;  tail  dark 
brown,  with  numerous  narrow  blackisli  bars.  Central  America  and  Mexico,  regularly  into 
southwestern  U.  S.,  said  to  straggle  up  the  Mississippi  Valley  to  Illinois,  but  only  ascertained 
to  breed  over  our  border  in  Arizona  and  New  Mexico,  though  it  doubtless  does  so  in  some  parts 
of  Texas ;  it  is  only  known  as  a  summer  visitor,  arriving  in  March  or  April,  breeding  in  May 
and  June,  leaving  late  in  the  fall.  Nest  usually  in  high  trees,  not  peculiar ;  eggs  2-3,  2.00  X 
1.60,  colorless  or  with  a  few  faint  spots. 

URUBITIN'GA.  (South  American  nruhu,  a  vulture ;  thiga.  bright.)  Anthracite  Buz- 
zards. General  characters  of  Bideo,  but  system  of  coloration  jieculiar,  the  adults  being  chiefly 
black  and  white,  the  tail  typically  broadly  zoned.  The  limits  of  the  genus  vary  with  different 
writers;  it  contains  several  species,  confined  to  America,  one  of  them  reaching  our  border.  In 
this  the  tail  is  about  §  as  long  as  wing,  emarginate  or  nearly  even  ;  wing  with  3d-5th  quills 
longest,  2d  about  equal  to  6th,  1st  very  short;  outer  4  sinuate  on  inner  webs;  point  of  folded 
wing  reaching  but  little  beyond  the  longest  secondaries;  bill  lengthened  and  rather  weak  ;  tomia 
of  upper  mandible  strongly  festooned  or  almost  h)bated  back  of  the  hook ;  gonys  convex;  nostrils 
large,  subcircular;  lores  extensively  denuded;  tarsus  much  longer  than  middle  toe  and  claw, 
feathered  but  a  little  way  down  in  front,  scutellate  before  and  behind,  reticulated  laterally  like 
bases  of  toes,  which  in  the  rest  of  their  length  are  broadly  scutellate. 

U.  anthraci'na.  (Lat.  arithr<(cinus,  carbuncular;  in  this  case  coal-black.)  Anthracite 
Buzzard.  Mexican  Black  Hawk.  Adult  J*?-  Coal-ldack;  feathers  of  head  and  neck 
with  concealed  white  bases  ;  tail  white  at  extreme  base  and  tip,  and  crossed  about  the  middle 
with  a  broad  white  zone  ;  tips  of  its  coverts  white ;  quills  of  wing  more  or  less  mottled  with 
rusty-brown ;  cere,  rictus,  base  of  bill,  and  feet,  yellow ;  bill  and  claws  blackish.  Length 
21.00-23.00;  wing  13.00-15.00;  tail  8.00-10.00;  tarsus  3.25;  9  larger  than  ^;  wing  up  to 
16.00,  etc.  Young  :  Extensively  varied  with  rusty  or  buff,  which  is  gradually  obliterated  as 
the  bird  matures  ;  tail  numerously  barred  witli  black  and  white  —  6-9  such  bars,  mostly  brolceu 
or  otherwise  irregular.  Whole  under  parts  white,  more  or  less  tinged  with  buff,  pencilled  on 
throat,  heavily  striped  on  breast  and  sides,  closely  barred  across  on  tibiae  and  crissum,  with 
blackish.  Feathers  of  liead,  nape,  and  fore  back  largely  white  or  whitish,  appearing  in  streaks 
among  the  overlying  blackish  of  the  ends  of  the  feathers.  Exposed  portions  of  primaries  black- 
ish, obsoletely  crossed  with  lighter;  these  feathers  liglitening  basally  and  internally,  where 
narrow  blackish  bars  alternate  with  wider  spaces  of  white  tinged  with  brown  and  fulvous. 
Secondaries  and  larger  coverts  brown  with  narrow  dark  bars,  their  inner  webs  also  indented 
with  whitish  and  tawny.  The  younger  the  bird  the  more  whitish  or  buff  prevails  over  dark 
colors.  The  contrast  between  cross-barred  tibije  and  lengthwise-striped  breast  and  sides  is 
always  notable.  The  tail  varies  from  rounded  through  square  to  emarginate.  A  remarkable 
Hawk  of  Central  America,  West  Indies,  and  Mexico,  N.  to  Arizoua,  New  Mexico,  and  the 
Lower  Rio  Grande  valley  of  Texas,  apparently  not  common  over  our  border,  and  not  resident ; 
breeds;  nest  in  trees;  eggs  1-3,  2.30  X  1-85,  greenish-white,  moderately  spotted  with  light 
and  dark  browns,  laid  April-June. 

Note.  —  Omjchotes  gruberi  Ridow.  Proc.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Philada.  Dec.  1870,  p.  149;  B.  P..  and  R.  Hist.  N.  A.  Birds, 
iii,  1874,  p.  254  ;  RiDGw.  Rod  and  Gun,  May  1,  1875,  p.  65;  Bull.  U  S.  Geol.  Surv.  Terr,  ii,  Apr.  1876,  p.  134;  admitted  in 
the  Key,  orig.  ed.  1872,  p.  219,  and  2d  ed.  1884,  p.  553,  is  not  Nortli  American  :  see  Pr.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.  Apr.  1885,  p.  30, 
and  Key,  3d  ed.  1887,  p.  883.  It  is  a  Sandwich  Island  Fish  Hawk,  originally  described  as  Buteo  soUtarius  by  T.  R.  Peale, 
U.  S.  Expl.  Exped.  1848,  p.  62,  and  figured  as  such  by  Sclater,  Challenger  Reps.  Birds,  1881,  p.  90,  pi.  21  ;  Pandion 
solilarius  Cassin,  U.  S.  Expl.  Exped.  1858,  p.  97,  pi.  4  :  Polioaetus  soUtarius  Shaepb,  Cat.  B.  Brit.  Mus.  i,  1874,  p.  452 
Its  original  ascription  to  "  California  "  was  simply  a  mistake. 


FALCONID.E  —  BUTEONIN.E :   EAGLES.  695 

THRASAE'TUS.  (Gr.  Bpacrvs,  tJtrasus,  bold  ;  deros,  aetos,  an  ea_£;le.)  Harpy  Eagles.  A 
genus  contaiuing  one  species  of  eiioruuuis  size,  the  most  powerful  raptorial  bird  of  America,  it 
not  of  the  entire  sub-order.  Head  with  a  broad  flowing  occipital  crest.  Bill  of  great  length 
and  depth,  much  compressed,  S(j  hooked  that  the  curve  of  tlie  cuhnen  is  about  a  quadrant  of  a 
circle;  commissure  about  straiglit,  tomia  festooned  but  not  toothed  ;  cere  extensive,  with  nearly 
vortical  fore-edge,  close  to  which  are  the  narrowly  oval  nostrils,  about  midway  betvA^een  tomia 
and  cuhnen  ;  lores  extensively  naked  and  bristly  ;  superciliary  shield  prominent ;  feet  and  tal- 
ons of  immense  strength  ;  tarsus  feathered  a  little  way  down  iu  front;  feet  reticulate,  excepting 
a  few  scales  on  top  of  toes  ;  lateral  toes  much  shorter  than  middle;  inner  claw  much  larger 
than  middle;  hinder  much  the  largest  of  all.  Wings  rather  short,  very  ample;  secondaries 
entirely  covering  primaries  when  folded  ;  wing  as  a  whole  much  vaulted,  outer  quills  strongly 
bowed.     Tail  long,  |  the  wing,  fan-shaped,  vaulted. 

T.  harpyi'a.  (Gr.  ap-rrvia,  harjmia,  a  harpy.)  Harpy  Eagle.  The  largest  and  finest 
specimen  before  me  I  judge  to  have  been  nearly  or  about  4  feet  long;  wing  about  2  feet ;  the 
tail  18  inclies  ;  chord  of  cuhnen,  including  cere,  2.75  inches;  depth  of  bill  1.50;  tarsus  over 
4.00;  chord  of  hind  claw  nearly  .'].00.  Head  and  entire  under  parts  dull  white,  more  or  less 
obscured  with  ashy  or  dusky,  particularly  on  crest,  across  throat,  and  on  tibiae,  which  latter  are 
in  some  cases  regularly  barred  with  blackish.  Upper  parts  at  large  ashy-gray,  intimately  but 
irregularly  barred  with  glossy  black,  especially  on  wing-coverts.  Flight-feathers  mostly 
blackish,  but  witli  more  or  less  ashy  nebulation,  to  which  wliitish  variegation  is  added  on 
inner  webs.  Tail  pretty  regularly  barred  with  black  and  ash,  in  other  cases  irregularly  nebu- 
lated  with  light  and  dark  ash.  The  bill  appears  to  have  been  blackish,  the  feet  of  some  yel- 
lowish color.  Young  birds  are  much  darker.  Central  and  South  America  and  Mexico,  a  well- 
known  and  most  formidable  bird  of  prey,  reaching  the  Texas  border  of  the  Lower  Rio  Grande; 
also,  Louisiana? 

A'QUILA.  (Lat.  aquiln,  an  eagle.)  Goldex  Eagles.  Of  great  size,  robust  form,  and 
jxiwcrful  pliysique,  but  in  technical  characters  near  Buteo  and  especially  Arckibuteo.  Tibia 
extensively  flagged.  Tarsus  closely  feathered  all  around  to  the  toes;  toes  mostly  reticulate  on 
top,  margined,  outer  and  middle  webbed  at  base.  Hill  large,  long,  very  robust  ;  tomia  lobed  ; 
nostrils  oval,  oblique;  superciliary  shield  prominent.  Wings  long,  pointed  by  3d-5th  quills, 
2d  sul)equal  to  (ith,  1st  very  short,  5  or  (i  emarginate  on  inner  webs;  2d  to  0th  or  7th  sinuate 
on  outer  webs.  Tail  moderate,  rounded,  or  graduated.  Feathers  of  occiput  and  nape  lanceolate, 
acute,  discrete,  like  a  Raven's  throat-plumes.  Sexes  alike  ;  clianges  of  plumage  not  great. 
Tliis  extensive  genus  includes  Eagles  properly  so  called,  of  which  there  are  numerous  Old 
World  species,  but  only  one  American. 

A.  chrysae'tus.  (Gr.  ;(puyafrof,  chrusaetos,  golden  eagle.  Fig.  473.)  GoLUEX  Eagle. 
Rin(;-taili:i>  Eagle.  Black  Eagle.  Mountain  Eagle.  Adult  (J  9  =  Dark  brown,  with 
jiurplish  gloss,  lighter  on  coverts  of  wings  and  tail  and  on  flags  or  tarsi;  the  cowl  of  lanceolate 
fcatlicrs  g(dden-hrown.  Quills  and  tail-feathers  blackish,  but  basally  more  or  less  variegated  or 
areatcd  witli  liglit  brown,  gray,  or  whitish;  at  maturity  these  markings  extensive  and  definite. 
Young  birds  blacker  than  adults,  wliich  "  grow  gray,"  witli  age,  and  are  "ring-tailed,"  —  that 
is,  basal  portion  and  finally  most  of  tail  white,  offset  by  a  broad  black  terminal  zone.  Length 
aljout  .'ncct  (or  more);  extent  (i  or  7  feet;  wing  2  feet  (^)  or  more  (9);  t:ii'  14.00-J5.00 
incii('s((^)  or  more  (  9  )  ;  bill,  without  cere,  J. 50-1. 75;  tarsus  3.50-4.00.  This  great  bird 
inhabits  North  America  at  large,  as  well  as  Europe,  Asia,  etc. ;  in  this  country  rather  nortlicrly, 
S.  onhuarily  to  about  35°.  The  American  is  not  fairly  distinguished  from  the  European,  but  on 
the  whole  is  a  larger  and  "  better"  bird,  like  several  others  of  the  present  family,  as  well  as 
of  the  goose  and  duck  tribes.  This  I  suppose  to  bo  owing  t«>  tlie  fact  that  there  is  more  room 
for  them,  more  food,  less  persecution,  and  altogether  less  competition  in  tlie  struggle  for  exist- 
ence.    It  breeds  chieliy  in  njoiiutaiuous  or  boreal   regions,  tlie  eyrie  being  usually  upon  a  crag, 


696 


SYSTEM  A  TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  RAPTORES  —  A  CCIPITRES. 


Fig.   473.- 
H.  W.  Elliott. 


-  The  Eyrie  of   the  Golden   Eagle.     (Designed  by 


sometimes  iu  a  tree,  the  nest  a  platform  of  sticks,  etc.,  sometimes  acquiring  enormous  dimen- 
sions, by  repair  and  addition  year  after  year.  The  eggs  are  subspherical  and  equal-ended ; 
five  selected  specimens  measure  :  2.05  X  2.15,  2.90  X  2.40,  3.00  X  2.35,  3.10  X  2.25,  3-25  X 

2.55 ;  average  of  many  more,  3.00  X 
2.30 ;  in  12  oases,  only  one  is  white  like 
a  Bald  Eagle's;  the  rest  are  whitish, 
wholly  indeterminately  spotted,  splashed 
and  smirched  with  rich  sienna,  umber, 
and  bistre  browns,  with  neutral-tint  shell- 
markings;  2  or  3  are  laid,  at  times  vary- 
ing with  latitude  from  midwinter  to  June. 
The  prowess  of  this  Eagle  is  such  that  it 
can  prey  upon  fawns  and  lambs;  but  its 
habitual  (juarry  is  much  more  liumble. 
HALIAE'TUS.  (Gr.  akidfros,  Jialiaetos, 
a  sea-eagle;  i.  e.,  the  osprey.)  Sea 
Eagi,es.  Fishing  Eagles.  General 
characters  of  Aquila,  but  tarsi  only  feath- 
ered about  Jdown,  and  no  webbing  between 
outer  and  middle  toes.  This  nakedness  of 
shank  is  an  infallible  character :  among 
the  several  different  "kinds"  of  Eagles 
popularly  attributed  to  North  America, 
only  two  species  have  been  found  on  this 
continent :  the  one  with  feathered  shanks 
is  Aquila  chrysnetus  ;  the  one  with  scaly  shanks  is  Haltaetiis  leucocejjhalus,  whatever  its  size 
or  color.  The  reader  of  popular  periodical  literature  about  birds  who  comes  across  startling 
statements  of  Eagles  six  feet  long  and  ten  feet  broad  may  safely  set  them  down  to  the  credit 
of  journalistic  enterprise,  ah)ng  with  monkey-faced  Owls,  four-winged  Quelelis,  flying  wolves, 
two-headed  snakes,  and  other  fishy  fairy  tales.  The  scutellation  of  the  tarsus  varies  in  this 
species;  there  is  normally  a  short  row  of  scales  in  fnnit,  discontinued  about  the  bases  of  the 
toes,  where  are  granular  reticulations,  the  scutellation  being  resumed  farther  on  the  toes. 
Wings  pointed  by  3d-5th  quills  ;  2d  nearly  equal  to  6th;  1st  longer  than  9th;  5  to  6  einar- 
giuate  on  inner  webs.  Tail  rounded,  of  12  rectrices.  Feathers  of  neck  all  ai'ound  lance- 
acute,  discrete.  About  8  species  of  this  genus  are  recognized  ;  one  of  them  is  appropriate  to 
this  continent ;  another  occurs  in  Greenland. 

Analysis  of  Species. 

Adult  with  head  and  tail  white leucocephalus 

Adult  with  tail  only  white albicilla 

H.  albicilla.  (Lat.  albicilla,  white-tailed.)  White-tailed  Sea  Eagle.  Erne.  Adult 
^  9  :  Dark  brown,  blackening  on  prunaries  ;  head  and  neck  gray  ;  tail  white.  Bill  and  feet 
yellow.  Young  with  tail  not  white,  and  otherwise  ditfta-ent,  the  whole  plumage  much  varied 
with  light  and  dark  browns.  Lengtli  of  (J  nearly  or  about  3  feet ;  wiug  2  feet  ;  tail  a  foot ; 
tarsus  3.50  inches  ;  bill  2.00  or  more  ;  9  larger  :  length  up  to  3J  feet  ;  wing  2^  feet,  etc. 
Europe,  etc.,  only  North  American  as  occurring  in  Greenland,  where  it  breeds,  making  its 
eyrie  on  cliffs;  eggs  1-.3,  usually  2,  averaging  abont  3.10  X  2. 25,  white. 
H.  leucoceph'alus.  (Gr.  XfVKos,  leucos,  white  ;  K€(f)a\fi,  Tcephale,  head.  Fig.  474.)  White- 
headed  Sea  Eagle.  "Bald  Eagle."  "Bird  of  Washington  "  (the  young).  Adult 
^9:  Dark  brown:  quills  black;  head  and  tail  white;  bill,  eyes,  and  feet  yellow.     Length 


FALCONIDJE  —  BUTEONINM:  EAGLES. 


697 


about  3  feet  (or  more) ;  extent  6  or  7  feet ;  wing  2  feet  (  9  )  or  less  {$);  tail  a  foot,  more  (  9  ) 
or  less  {$).     Three  years  are  required  to  perfect  the  white  head  and  tail  of  the  "  hald  "  Eagle. 


Fig.  474.  —  Bald  Eagle.     (From  Tenney,  after  Wilson.) 

The  fii'st  year,  tlie  young  are  "black"  Eagles  :  very  dark  colored,  with  fleecy  white  bases  of 
the  feathers  showing  here  and  there ;  bill  black  ;  iris  brown  ;  feet  yellow.     Next  year,  they  are 


Fio.  47.''>.  —  Alaskan  Wliito-lipa.U>>l  EacU'.     (L   A.  Fiiprtes.) 


"gray"  Eagles,  usually  larger  than  nld  liirds,  tlic  lar-ri'st  luiuwii  .•^pcciinens  being  of  this  age. 
Young  in  down  are  sooty-gray.     Nortii  Anicrica  anywhere,  eonunon  —  for  an  Eagle  ;  pisciv- 


698  SYSTEMATIC   SYNOPSIS.— RAPTORES  —  ACCIPITRES. 

orous ;  a  piratical  parasite  of  the  Osprey  :  otherwise  notorious  as  the  emblem  of  the  republic. 
There  is  a  sort  of  jingoism  about  this  bird  which  tickles  the  fancy  of  the  average  American 
patriot,  who  imagines  that  it  can  be  heard  around  the  world  when  it  rumples  up  its  feathers 
and  screeches,  making  as  much  noise  as  a  liritish  lion  with  its  tail  twisted.  It  sometimes 
fishes  for  itself,  at  others  stoops  to  carrion  like  a  vulture,  and  also  preys  upon  water  fowl  and 
mammals  of  considerable  size.  The  nest  is  bulky,  finally  acquiring  huge  dimension  by 
annual  accretions,  generally  placed  high  in  a  tail  tree,  often  also  on  a  clifi",  bluff,  or  cut- 
bank,  rarely  on  level  ground;  eggs  usually  two,  of  whicli  one  is  larger  than  the  other,  probably 
hatching  opposite  sexes,  sometimes  3,  or  only  one ;  average  size  2.90  X  2.25,  with  extremes 
of  3.05  X  2.35  and  2.45  X  2.00;  color  white,  normally  unmarked,  rarely  with  a  few  spots. 
Tliey  are  laid  from  November  all  through  the  winter  on  our  southern  border,  all  through  the 
spring  in  most  latitudes,  ov  not  till  early  summer  in  the  far  North. 

H.  1.  alasea'uus.  (Lat.  Alaskan.  Fig.  475.)  Alaskan  Bald  Eagle.  Averaging  some- 
what larger.  Wing  24.00-24.50;  taU  11.50-12.00  ;  tarsus  4.00  ;  bill  2.50,  its  depth  at  base 
1.50:  thus  at  extremes  of  size  for  this  species.  Alaska;  type  from  Unalaska  Island.  C.  H. 
TowNSEND,  Pr.  Biol.  Soc  Wasli.  xi,  June  9,  1897,  p.  145  ;  A.  0.  U.  Suppl.  List,  Auk,  Jan. 
1899,  p.  109,  No.  352  a. 

Obs.  Thalassaetus  pelagicus.  (Gr.  6aKacr(Ta,  Thalassa,  the  sea,  ocean;  Lat.  pelagicuSy 
pelagic,  oceanic,  marine.)  White-shouldeked  !Sea  Eagle.  Kamtschatkan  Sea  Eagle. 
This  most  magnificent  of  the  Eagles  is  found  on  the  Commander  Islands  in  Bering's  Sea,  as 
well  as  on  the  Asiatic  mainland,  and  no  doubt  sometimes  files  across  to  the  neighboring  Aleu- 
tian islands,  as  our  Bald  Eagle  easily  makes  the  same  fiiglit  in  the  opposite  direction,  thus 
figuring  as  a  bird  of  Asia.  A  fair  exchange  would  be  no  robbery,  but  we  have  no  authentic 
data  for  introducing  the  genus  and  species  formally  in  the  Key.  Adult  $  9  •  Dark  brown  ; 
forehead,  most  of  the  wing-coverts,  tail,  rump,  and  thighs,  pure  white ;  bill  and  feet  chrome- 
yellow  ;  iris  pale  yellow.  Length  of  $  over  3  feet ;  extent  7\  feet ;  wing  nearly  2  feet ;  tail  14 
inches,  cuneate,  graduated  4.00,  with  14  feathers  ;  bill  2.50.  9  larger  ;  length  nearly  4^  feet; 
extent  nearly  8  feet ;  wing  2  feet  or  more.  The  great  white  area  on  the  wings,  involving  the 
lesser  and  middle  coverts,  is  very  conspicuous.  Young  birds  are  darker  than  the  adults, 
have  the  white  parts  more  or  less  mixed  with  dusky,  according  to  age,  and  the  bill  is  not 
bright  yellow. 

Family  PANDIONID^  :   Fish  Hawks ;  Ospreys. 

See  page  619.  Plumage  i)eculiar,  close  and  firm,  imbricated,  oily,  lacking  after- sh afts ; 
head  densely  feathered  to  eyes  ;  occipital  feathers  lengthened  ;  legs  closely  feathered,  with- 
out any  sign  of  a  fiag  ;  quills  of  wings  and  tail  acuminate,  stiff  and  hard;  primary  coverts  of 
similar  character.  Feet  immensely  hirge  and  strong,  rouglily  granular-reticulate ;  tarsi  little 
featliered  above  in  front ;  toes  all  free  to  the  base,  the  outer  versatile.  Claws  very  large,  all 
of  equal  lengths,  subcylindric  or  tapering  terete,  not  scoo[)ed  out  underneath,  but  all  com- 
pressed, and  middle  one  sharply  grooved  on  inner  face.  Bill  toothless,  contracted  at  cere,  else- 
where inriated,  with  very  large  hook  ;  gonys  convex,  ascending ;  nostrils  oval,  oblique,  without 
tubercle,  in  edge  of  cere.  The  peculiarities  of  the  plumage  and  of  the  feet  are  in  evident 
adaptation  to  the  semi-aquatic  piscivorous  habits  of  these  ''  fishing  hawks,"  which  require  a 
water-proof  covering,  and  great  talons  to  grasp  their  slippery  quarry-  The  structural  char- 
acters are  rather  those  of  buteonine  than  falconine  birds  of  prey,  in  the  coracoid  arrangement, 
etc.  The  tarso-metatarsus  has  a  bony  canal  for  the  passage  of  the  common  extensor  of  the  toes, 
as  in  most  Owls.  The  synqielmous  condition  of  the  flexor  tendons  occurs  as  in  Falconidce, 
but  with  the  modification  tluit  while  the  flexor  perforans  has  3  tendinis  for  the  2d-4th  toes  the 
flexor  hallucis  splits  into  four,  which  thus  also  supply  the  same  2d-4th  toes  as  well  as  the  1st. 


PANinONIDM:   FISH  HAWKS,   OSPREYS. 


699 


The  supraorbital  shield  is  ruditnentary,  leaving  eye  flush  with  side  of  head.  The  fomily  con- 
sists of  a  single  genus,  and  probably  but  one  cosmopolitan  species,  the  well-l^nown  Osprey, 
Pandion  haliaetus.  It  is  made  type  of  a  suborder  Pandiones  by  Sharpe,  and  reduced  to  a 
subfamily  of  Falconidre  by  the  A.  O.  U. 

PANDION.  (Gr.  JJavdiuu,  Lat.  Pandion,  nom.  propr.  Fig.  47G.)  Ospreys.  To  the  fore- 
going add:  Wings  very  long,  pointed;  2d  and  3d  primaries  longest;  1st  between  3d  and 
5th  ;  3  outer  ones  abruptly  emarginate  on  inner  webs,  and  2d  to  4th  sinuate  on  outer  webs. 
Tail  short,  scarcely  or  not  half  as  long  as  wing.  Sexes  alike;  9  larger.  Young  similar. 
P.  haliae'tiis  carolinerisis.  (See  Haliaiitus.)  Amehican  Osprey.  Fisil  Hawk.  Adult 
^  9  •  Above,  dark  vaiidyki'-brown,  blackcniiiLT  "ti  <|Mill-- ;  fcat!ici-s  of  iippr-r  purts  more  or  less 
completely  edged  witli 
paler  color  —  the  older 
the  bird,  the  less  con- 
spicuous the  white 
markings  except  on 
tlie  head.  Tail  dark- 
brown  witli  dusky 
bars,  white  tip  and 
sliafts,  and  inner  welis 
of  all  but  middle  })air 
of  feathers  regularly 
barred  with  white  and 
dark,  but  these  mark- 
ings tending  to  obso- 
lescence with  increas- 
ing age.  Head,  neck, 
and  under  parts  white ; 
crown  more  or  less  ex- 
tensively streaked  with 
blackish,  and  a  heavy 
b  1  a  c  k  1  s  h  j)Ostocular 
stri[»e  to  nape  ;  breast 
more  (  9  )  <>i"  h'ss  (  J ) 
spotted  with  dusky 
brown  ;  the  white  more 
or     less     tinged     with 

tawny  in  some  places,  especially  under  the  wings  and  on  the  head,  except  in  old  birds.  Colora- 
tion very  variable  in  relative  amounts  of  dark  and  white  colors,  always  irrespective  of  sex ;  gen- 
eral tendency  with  age  to  uniformity  of  dark  tones  on  the  back,  wings,  and  tail,  and  purity  of 
wliite  on  the  head  and  under  parts.  Bill  blackish,  bluing  at  ba.se  and  on  cere;  feet  grayish- 
blue;  claws  black;  iris  yellow  or  red.  Length  2  feet  or  rather  less  ;  extent  about  5  feet; 
wing  17..')0-21..j0;  tail  S.-W-IO.SO  ;  tar.sus  2.25  ;  middle  toe  without  claw  1.75 ;  chord  of  cul- 
mcn  without  cere  1.30  ;  chord  of  claws  nearly  the  same.  Young:  darker  above  than  the  old 
birds,  but  the  up{)er  parts  more  mottled  with  white  or  buff  edgings  of  the  featiiers,  and  the 
tail  more  regularly  barred.  Downy  young  much  variegated  with  dusky,  rusty,  and  whitish  on 
a  gray  ground.  J^ntire  temperate  North  America,  over  inland  waters  and  especially  along 
sea-coasts,  migratory,  abundant.  Few  birds  are  better  known  than  this  indu.strious  fisherman, 
so  often  purveyor  perforce  of  the  IJald  Eagle.  Ikeeds  anywiiere  in  its  range;  nest  bulky, 
finally  acrpiiring  enormous  dimensions  by  yearly  repairs  and  additions,  placed  usually  in  u  tree 
or  stnut  busli,  sometimes  on  rocks  or  the  ground;  sometimes  hundreds  togetlier.     Eggs  laid 


-Viler  J.  Woli.) 


700  SYSTEM  A  TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  RAP  TORES  —  CA  THA  R  TIDES. 

in  May  in  most  latitudes,  through  June  in  the  North,  and  from  Fehruary  to  April  in  the  South, 
2  or  usually  3,  seldom  4,  in  number,  very  variable  in  size,  say  2.50  X  1-85  on  an  average, 
ranging  frt)m  2.75  X  2.00  to  2.25  X  1.05,  running  through  all  the  variations  in  color  common 
to  Hawks'  eggs,  from  a  white  to  creamy,  tawny  or  reddish  ground,  from  few  brownish  mark- 
ings to  heaviest  blotching  with  sienna,  unibre,  bistre,  and  sepia ;  coloration  usually  richly  red- 
dish or  mahogany.  Some  nests  grow  to  be  6  or  8  feet  in  diameter,  and  as  much  in  depth,  and 
smaller  birds,  such  as  Grackles,  frequently  build  theirs  in  the  interstices  of  the  mass  without 
molestation  from  the  bird  of  prey.  This  certainly  proves  the  amiability  of  the  Osprey ;  and 
the  same  association  of  birds  raptorial  and  non-raptorial  is  witnessed  in  the  West  in  the  case 
of  Swainson's  Buzzard,  in  the  same  tree  with  the  nest  of  which,  even  in  the  substance  of  the 
nest  itself,  have  various  small  birds,  such  as  the  Arkansas  Flycatcher,  Hooded  Oriole,  and 
Burion,  been  observed  domiciled. 

Suborder  CATHARTIDES:   American  Vultures. 

(Or  SARCORHAMPHI.) 

As  already  stated  (page  618),  the  characters  of  this  group,  for  which  I  proposed  the  above 
name  (New  England  Bird  Life,  vol.  ii,  p.  135),  are  of  more  than  family  value.  The  same 
subordinal  rank  is  recognized  by  the  name  of  Sarcorhamphi  in  the  A.  0.  U.  List.  In  no 
event  have  these  birds  anything  to  do  with  Old  World  Vultures,  which  scarcely  form  a  sub- 
family apart  from  other  FalconidcR.  In  a  certain  sense  they  represent  the  gallinaceous  type 
of  structure ;  our  species  of  Cathartes,  for  instance,  bears  a  curious  superficial  resemblance  to 
a  Turkey.  They  lack  the  strength  and  spirit  of  typical  Raptores,  and  rarely  attack  animala 
capable  of  offering  resistance ;  they  are  voracious  and  indiscriminate  gormandizers  of  carrion 
and  animal  refuse  of  all  sorts  —  efficient  and  almost  indispensable  scavengers  in  warm  coun- 
tries where  they  abound.  They  are  uncleanly  in  their  mode  of  feeding ;  the  nature  of  their 
food  renders  them  ill-scented,  and  when  disturbed  they  eject  the  foetid  contents  of  the  crop. 
Although  not  truly  gregarious,  they  assemble  in  multitudes  where  food  is  plentiful,  and  some 
species  breed  in  communities.  When  gorged,  they  appear  heavy  and  indisposed  to  exertion, 
usually  passing  the  period  of  digestion  motionless,  in  a  listless  attitude,  with  wings  half-spread. 
But  they  spend  umch  time  on  wing,  circling  high  in  the  air ;  their  flight  is  easy  and  graceful 
in  the  extreme,  capable  of  being  indefinitely  protracted.  On  the  ground  they  habitually  M^alk 
instead  of  progressing  by  leaps.  Possessing  no  vocal  apparatus,  these  Vultures  are  almost 
mute,  emitting  only  a  weak  hissing  sound. 


Family   CATHARTID^  :    American  Vultures. 

(Or  SARCORHAMPHID^.) 

See  page  618.  Head  and  part  of  neck  more  or  less  completely  bare  of  feathers,  sometimes 
caruncular  ;  eyes  flush  with  side  of  head,  not  overshadowed  by  a  superciliary  siiield  ;  ears  small 
and  simple.  Bill  lengthened,  contracted  toward  base,  moderately  hooked  and  comparatively 
weak.  Nostrils  very  large,  completely  perforated,  through  lack  of  bony  septum.  Wings  very 
long,  ample,  and  strong ;  tail  moderate.  Anterior  toes  long  for  this  order,  webbed  at  base ; 
hind  toe  elevated,  very  short ;  claws  comparatively  lengthened,  obtuse,  little  curved  and  weak. 
To  these  external  characters,  which  distinguish  our  Vultures,  I  may  add  that  there  are  nu- 
merous osteological  peculiarities.  No  lower  larynx  is  developed  ;  the  capacious  gullet  dilates 
into  an  immense  crop ;  coeca  wanting ;  carotids  double.  The  feathers  lack  aftershafts ;  plu- 
mage sombre  and  unvaried,  its  changes  slight ;  sexes  alike  in  plumage  ;  9  "ot  larger  than  $. 
The  famous  Condor  of  the  Andes,  Sarcorliamphus  gryphus  ;  the  King  Vulture,  Gypagus  or 


CATHARTW.E—CArHARTIXyE:   AMERICAX  VULTURES.  701 

Gyparchus  papa,  which  probably  occurs  in  Arizona,  and  species  of  three  North  American 
genera,  compose  tlie  family.  It  is  divisible  into  two  subfamilies,  mainly  according  to  the 
presence  or  absence  of  caruncular  excrescences  on  the  head. 

Subfamily  SARCORHAMPHIN/E  :    Condors  and    King  Vultures. 

A  Heshy  comb  or  crest  surmounting  the  base  of  the  beak,  or  also  arising  from  the  fore- 
head, with  or  witliout  an  additional  fleshy  wattle  or  dewlap.  Bill  very  stout,  with  short  cere. 
In  the  $  Condor,  the  comb  runs  up  on  the  head  from  the  bill,  and  the  throat  is  dewlapped, 
something  like  the  domestic  Turkey's;  these  appendages  arc  wanting  in  the  9.  The  size 
is  great,  though  hardly  surpassing  that  of  Psei(do(/ri/])lii(s  californianus  ;  the  neck  is  collared 
with  white  cottony  down  where  the  leathers  begin;  and  the  point  of  tlie  primaries  overreaches 
the  secondaries  in  the  closed  wing. 

CiYPA'GUS.  (Gr.  yv^,  fji^ps,  a  vulture;  and  ay6s.  agos,  a  leader,  ruler,  chief.  Tlie  word  is 
well  enough,  and  need  not  have  been  altered  to  Gijparchiis  by  Glogeu  in  1842.)  Kixo  \v\,- 
TURES.  Comb  small,  confined  to  the  short  cere  of  the  stout  bill;  no  wattle  or  dewlaji.  Wings 
short ;  secondaries  reaching  ends  of  primaries  when  closed.  Size  medium  for  the  family  ; 
small  for  this  subfamily  ;  sexes  alike.     One  species. 

G.  pa'pa.  (Lat.  papa,  father,  the  pope.)  KiN(>  VuLTURE.  COZCACOAUHTL.  Head  and 
upper  neck  naked  of  true  feathers,  the  skin  much  wrinkled,  on  the  hind  head  pinched  up  into 
a  sort  of  comb  and  extensively  beset  witli  black  bristles  ;  the  fleshy  excrescence  on  the  bill 
tumid,  erected  from  a  contracted  base,  like  a  polypus  ;  no  cottony  white  collar  on  the  neck,  the 
plumage  there  beginning  in  a  rufl"  of  ordinary  feathers,  of  a  blackish  ctdor  ;  a  bare  area  on  the 
chest,  over  the  crop.  General  [)lumage  cream-colored  or  pale  buff  above,  below  white,  with  a 
creamy  or  tawny  tinge  ;  rump  and  whole  tail,  with  its  coverts,  and  most  of  the  wings,  black. 
I)ill  and  naked  parts  of  head  and  neck  curiously  variegated  with  black,  blue,  red,  orange  and 
yellow ;  iris  white.  Young,  simply  sooty  brown,  lacking  also  the  harlerpiin  visage  of  tlie  old 
birds.  Length  about  2|  feet;  wing  19.50  inches  ;  tail  10.00.  Eggs  white,  about  3.70  X  2.G5. 
Tropical  continental  America,  X.  probably  over  the  border  of  Arizona.  The  supposed  occur- 
rence rests  upon  my  own  evidence,  and  is  not  conclusive ;  but  I  have  never  doubted  that  I  saw 
a  ]iiiir  of  these  birds  on  the  San  Francisco  (Verde)  River,  July  1.3,  1865  :  see  CouES,  Pr.  Phila. 
Acad.  1866,  p.  49,  and  Bull.  Nutt.  Club,  Oct.  1881,  p.  248  ;  compare  also  the  Sacred  Vulture 
ascribed  to  Florida  by  Bartram,  Trav.  1791,  p.  150;  Allen,  Bull.  Mus.  Comp.  Zoiil.  ii. 
1^71,  p.  313.  I  now  first  take  the  species  into  the  K<'y,  as  it  lias  been  placed  on  tlie  A.  <>.  I'. 
List,  Hypothetical  No.  12. 

Subfamily  CATHARTIN/E:   Turkey  Vultures. 

No  Heshy  excrescences  on  the  head  in  eitlier  sex.  Bill  leiiirtheiied  and  comparatively 
weak,  with  the  cere  longer  than  tlie  rest  of  the  iip[)cr  niiiniliblr. 

Anali/sis  of  Generti. 

Head  ami  neck  entirely  naked  ;  tail  Br|iiare ■" 

Head  and  uiipcr  piirt  of  neck  naked  ;   tail  rounded '.« 

Head  naked,  l)ut  featliers  runuiug  up  to  it  behind  ;  tail  iw|uaro '  '•» 

I'SKUDOGRYTHUS.  (Gr.  "iTfvdos,  p><eiuIos,  false;  Lat. //n/y*//*/*-,  a  gritlin  )  Caliiokniax 
CoNUOR.  Size  immense,  about  ecpialliiig  that  of  the  Andean  Cond<ir.  Head  and  neck  entirely 
bare,  smooth,  without  caruncular  appendages.  No  cervical  nitr  of  snowy,  downy  featiiers; 
plumage  beginning  over  siioulders  with  loo.sc  laiice-liiiear  feathers,  and  that  of  under  parts 
generally  of  similar  character.  Frontal  region  de|tressed  below  h'Vt-l  of  iiitlateil  cere,  but  gen- 
eral profile  straiglitish  from  hook  of  bill  to  hind  head.      Bill  wide  and  de«'p,  comparatively  little 


702 


SYSTEMATIC  SYNOPSIS.— RAPTORES  —  CATHARTIDES. 


hooked.  Nasal  passage  much  more  contracted  than  nasal  fossa.  Wings  of  great  amplitude, 
folding  to  or  beyond  end  of  square  tail ;  ends  of  primaries  uncovered  by  secondaries  ;  4th  or  5th 
quills  longest.     Tarsus  about  as  long  as  middle  toe.     One  species. 

P.  california'nus.  (Of  California.  Fig.  477.)  Californian  Condor.  Queleli.  Adult 
(J  9  :  Blackish,  the  feathers  with  bnjwner  tips  or  edges,  quite  gray  or  even  whitish  on  wing- 
coverts  and  inner  quills  ;  pri- 
maries and  tail-feathers  black; 
axillars  and  lining  of  M'ings 
white ;  bill  yellowish,  redden- 
ing on  cere,  and  skin  of  head 
orange  or  reddish  ;  iris  said  by 
some  to  be  brown,  by  others 
carmine.  Length  4-4^  feet; 
extent  about  9|-  feet ;  said  to 
be  sometimes  "nearly  11  feet ;  " 
wing  2^-3  feet ;  tail  1^-1  ^  feet ; 
tarsus  4.50-5.00  inches ;  mid- 
dle toe  without  claw  4.00-4.50 ; 
middle  claw  1.90;  hind  claw 
1.50;  chord  of  culmen  without 
cere  about  ].50,  but  whole  bill 
about  4.00,  whole  head  about 
7.00 ;  cere  on  top  nearly  3.00 ; 
weight  20-25  lbs.  Young  with 
bill  and  naked  parts  dusky,  and 
more  or  less  downy ;  plumage 
wathout  white.  Nestlings  cov- 
ered with  whitish  down.  This 
great  creature  rivals  the  South 
American  Condor  in  size,  and 
like  it  is  powerful  enougli  to 
destroy  young  or  otherwise 
lielpiess  animals  as  large  as 
itself,  though  its  usual  food  is 
carrion.  It  formerly  inhabited 
the  whole  of  the  Pacific  coast  region  from  British  Columbia  to  Lower  California,  E.  to  Ari- 
zona, w^iere  I  saw  it  at  Fort  Yuma  (mouth  of  the  Gila)  in  1865,  and  probably  to  some  little 
portion  of  Utah  ;  now  much  decreased  in  numbers,  only  locally  distributed  in  Oregon  and  Cali- 
fornia, and  restricted  in  the  breeding  season  to  California  W.  of  the  Sierras  Nevadas  S.  of  lat. 
37°,  including  some  parts  of  Lower  California;  known  to  have  occurred  in  Arizona  (Auk, 
July,  1899,  p.  272).  Casual  in  Alberta  (Auk,  Jan.  1897,  p.  189).  Early  in  this  century  it 
abounded  on  the  Columbia  river,  as  we  learn  from  the  accounts  of  Lewis  and  Clark,  and 
others,  who  had  diflSculty  in  keeping  large  game  they  had  killed  from  the  attacks  of  these  for- 
midable birds  of  prey.  They  are  still  common  in  certain  localities,  and  not  likely  to  be  soon 
exterminated,  by  poison  or  otherwise,  as  they  are  shy  and  sensible  enough  to  betake  themselves 
to  the  roughest  country  to  breed  in  inaccessible  places.  The  nidification  is  like  that  of  the 
Turkey  Buzzard ;  but  eggs  whitisli,  unmarked,  narrowly  elliptical,  about  4.50  X  2.50.  The 
general  habits  appear  to  be  the  same  as  those  of  the  Turkey  Buzzard ;  the  flight  is  similar. 
CATHAR'TES.  (Gr.  KadapTrji,  kathartes,  a  purifier.)  Turkey  Buzzards.  Of  medium 
size ;  body  slender.     Whole  head  and  upper  part  of  neck  naked,  the  plumage  beginning  as  a 


Fig.  477.  —  Californian  Condor.     (From  Tenney,  after  Audubon. ) 


CATHARTID.E—CATHARTIX.E:   AMERICAN   VULTURES. 


703 


circlet  of  ordinary  feathers  all  around  neck  in  C.  aura,  but  mounting  the  neck  behind  in 
C.  hurrorianus ;  the  naked  skin  corrugated  and  sparsely  beset  with  bristles,  especially  a 
patch  before  eye,  where  it  is  also  caruncular  or  papillose.  Bill  long,  moderately  stout  and 
hooked;  nostrils  large,  elliptical,  with  a  raised  rim  completely  pervious;  cere  contracted  op- 
posite them.  Wings  extremely  long,  not  particularly  broad,  pointed,  folding  beyond  tail, 
which  is  short  and  rounded.  Point  of  wing  formed  by  3d  or  4th  quill  ;  2d  and  5th  nearly  as 
long  ;  1st  much  shorter ;  outer  4  or  5  emarginate  on  inner  webs.  Tarsus  about  as  long  as  mid- 
dle toe  without  claw.  Of  Cathartes  as  restricted  several  species  are  described,  but  only  one  is 
established  as  North  American.     They  are  noted  for  their  extraordinary  powers  of  sailing  flight. 


Analysis  of  Species. 

Plumage  brownish,  not  peaked  on  the  nape.     Large  :  wing  20.00  or  more.     N.  Am aura 

Plumage  black,  peaked  on  the  nape.     Small:  wing  about  18.00.     S.  W.  border? burrovinntis 

C.  au'ra.  (Vox  barb.,  name  of  the  bird.  Figs.  478,  479.)  Common  Turkey  Vulture. 
Turkey  Buzzard.  Adult  $  9=  Bhickish-browu,  grayer  on  wing-coverts;  quills  black, 
ashy-gray  on  under 
surface ;  tail  black, 
with  pale  b  r  o  w  n 
shafts.  Head  red, 
from  livid  crimson  to 
pale  carmine,  with 
whitish  specks  usu- 
ally ;  bill  dead  white  ; 
feet  tiesh-colored  ;  iris 
brown.  Length  2;^ 
2i  feet ;  extent  about 
6  feet ;  wing  2  feet  or 
less ;  tail  a  foot  or 
less;  tarsus  2.25 
inches ;  middle  toe 
without  claw  rather 
more  ;  outer  toe  1.50  ; 
inner  1.25;  hind  0.75; 
chord  of  culmen  with- 
out cere  1.00.  Weiglit 
4-5  pounds.  Young 
darker  than  adults ; 
bill  and  skin  of  head 
<lark,  latter  downy. 
Nestlings  covered 
with  wliiti.sli  down, 
which    extends    upon 

back  of  neck  and  head,  but  leaves  the  front  and  sides  ban-:  .-^kiii  black.  V.  S.  and  British 
provinces,  S.  througli  Central  and  S.  Am.;  N.  in  Saskatchewan  to  about  55^;  resi.ienl  N.  to 
about  40°  on  the  Atlantic  side,  and  a  few  degrees  farther  on  I'acitic  coast,  beyond  which 
migratory,  being  starved  out  in  winter;  casual  in  New  England;  breeds  in  most  of  ranjre. 
Nests  ordinarily  on  or  near  ground,  in  ludlow  stumps  or  logs,  generally  in  communities  ;  but 
sometimes  in  hollows  of  dea.l  tree-tops  at  a  great  height,  or  again  on  rocky  ledges;  in  some 
iiKstances  the  old  nest  of  another   bird,  as  a  Hawk   or  Heron,   is  used.     Kggs  comnionly  2. 


Fig.  47^. — Turkrv  l'.u//..ir.l, 


il'TMin  I'.r.  1.1. 


704 


S  YS  TEMA  TIC  S  Y NOP  SIS.  —  RAP  TORES  —  CA  THA  R  TIDES. 


IPBP 

H'lJL'JMItH-'! ' 

■•■ S'TIS-T'" 

,     ^ 

'^raP^Hi^^H^^^lK 

"^Hh 

-'tW^^Z^^^^^^^^^^Btk 

H^S 

■4 

HB^^B 

9 

V 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^B  i 

'^n^^^^l 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Hf 

'a^^^^^l 

.y^ 

riOk 

■  Jm^ 

i 

'■■^i 

^^^K; 

^^wH 

i 

I^^K 

~ni8 

Fig.  479. —Turkey  Vulture. 


sometimes  1,  rarely  3,  from  2.75  X  1-85  to  3.15  X  1-95,  white  or  creamy,  variously  spotted 
and  blotched  with  diU'ereut  bruwus,  aod  with  laveuder  or  purplish-drab  shell-markiugs,  only 

exceptionally  immaculate ;  they  are  laid 
from  the  middle  of  February  on  our  south- 
ern border,  to  June  in  the  highest  lati- 
tudes frequented  by  the  bird.  The  young 
are  fed  with  filtli,  by  regm-gitation,  like 
s(iuabs  and  various  altricial  water-birds. 
This  Vulture  has  a  curious  habit  of  "play- 
ing possum,"  by  simulating  death  when 
wounded  and  captured ;  the  feint  is  admi- 
rably executed  and  often  long  protracted. 
C.  burrovia'nus.  (To  Dr.  Burroughs.) 
BuRROUGii's  Turkey  Vulture.  A 
small  species,  strictly  of  the  form  of  C. 
aura  in  proportions  of  wings  and  tail, 
cliaracter  of  nostrils,  etc.,  but  with  plu- 
mage peaked  on  uape  to  occiput,  as  in 
Catharista  unihu.  Adult  ^  9  '■  Black,  with  white  shafts  of  primaries  ;  head  blue  and  orange  : 
bill  flesh  color ;  iris  red.  Length  24.00  or  less ;  wing  under  20.00,  and  other  parts  corre- 
spondingly less  than  those  of  C.  aura,  from  w-hich  quite  distinct.  Trf)pical  and  subtropical 
America,  attributed  to  California  by  Gambel  (Journ.  Acad.  Piiila.  i,  p.  20),  and  to  Texas  by 
Dresser  (Ibis,  18G5,  p.  322).  Cassin,  Pr.  Phila.  Acad.  1845,  p.  212;  111.  1853,  p.  59;  B. 
N.  A.  1858,  p.  G,  originally  described  from  Vera  Cruz  and  Mazatlau ;  Elliot,  B.  N.  A.  1866, 
pi.  26,  type  figured.  Not  taken  up  in  former  editions  of  the  Key.  A.  0.  U.  Hypothetical 
List,  No.  13. 

CATHARIS'TA.  (Gr.  Ka6api(oi,  hifharizo,  I  purify.)  Carrion-crows.  Of  medium  size; 
body  stout.  Head  naked,  and  generally  as  in  Cathartes,  but  feathers  of  neck  running  up  be- 
hind to  a  point  on  oc- 


ciput; outline  of  plu- 
mage thus  very  differ- 
ent from  that  of  C. 
aura.  Cere  contracted ; 
nostrils  narrow,  less 
openly  pervious  than 
in  Cathartes.  Wings 
shorter  and  relatively 
broader  than  in  Ca- 
thartes, not  folding  to 
end  of  tail,  which  is 
short,  only  about  ^  the 
wing,  even  or  emar- 
giuate;  4th  and  5th 
quills  longest-  The 
difference  in  size  and 
shape  between  Ca- 
thartes and  Catharista  ^'«-  l^^O.  -Black  Vulture,  I  nat.  size.     (From  Brehm.) 

is  strikingly  displayed  when  the  birds  are  seen  flying  together ;  there  is  also  a  decided  difier- 
ence  in  mode  of  flight,  as  Catharista  never  sails  for  any  distance  without  interrupting  that 
easy  motion  by  flapping  the  wings. 


COLUMB.E:    COLUMBINE  BIRDS. 


705 


C.  urubu.  (South  American  name  of  some  bird  of  this  family.  Figs.  480,  481.)  Carriox- 
CROW.  Black  Vulture.  Adult  $  9 :  Entire  plumage,  including  skin  of  head,  and  bill, 
blackish ;  shafts  of  primaries  white,  their 
bases  paling  to  gray  or  whitish.  Tip  of  bill 
and  feet  grayish-yellow;  iris  brown;  claws 
black.  Smaller  than  C.  aura,  in  linear  di- 
mensions, but  a  heavier  bird ;  length  about 
2  feet ;  e.Ktent  only  about  4^  feet  ;  wing  17.00 
inches;  tail  8.00;  tarsus  ,S.OO;  middle  toe 
rather  less ;  chord  of  culmen  without  cere 
1.00  or  less.  Nesting  like  that  of  C.  aura  ; 
eggs  similar,  but  averaging  larger,  or  at  any 
rate  longer,  being  usually  a  little  over  ;3.00  X 
2.00,  though  ranging  from  3.3')  X  2.:2()  down 
to  2.75  X  1-85 ;  they  are  also  tinged  witli  i)ale 
greenish  or  bluisli  ratlier  than  creamy  in  the 
ground  color,  but  in  markings  are  indistin- 
guishable from  those  of  the  other  species  ;  the  number  is  2  as  a  rule,  rarely  1  or  3,  and  the 
period  of  dejiositiou  runs  from  March  to  May.  Chiefly  S.  Atlantic  and  Gulf  States,  especially 
in  maritime  regions,  there  very  numerous,  outnumbering  Turkey-Buzzards,  and  semi-domesti- 
cated in  the  towns,  where  their  good  offices  are  appreciated  ;  N.  regularly  to  North  Carolina, 
thence  straggling  to  Massachusetts  and  even  Maine;  and  up  the  Mississipjii  Valley  to  Ohio, 
Indiana,  Illinois,  Iowa,  and  Kansas,  and  casually  South  Dakota;  not  authenticated  as  occur- 
ring on  Pacific  side,  but  of  general  distribution  in  Central  and  South  America.  C.  alrata 
(Bartram,  1791)  of  all  former  eds.  of  the  Key,  and  of  A.  0.  U.  Lists,  1886-9'):  C.  urubu 
COUE.S,  Auk,  Jan.  1899,  p.  84;  A.  0.  U.  Suppl.  List,  Auk,  Jan.  1899,  p.  108. 


Via.  481.  —  Black  Vulture.     (L.  A.  Fuertes.) 


No  one  can  fail  to  observe  with  interest  the  great  difference  in  the  form  and  general  appearance  of  the  Turkey- 
buzzard  and  Carrion-crow  when  he  compares  them  sitting  side  by  side  sunning  themselves  upon  chimney  or  house-top  ; 
and  especially  the  discrepancy  in  their  mode  of  flight  as  they  wheel  together  overhead  in  endless  inosculating  circles. 
The  Turkey-buzzards  look  larger  as  they  fly,  though  really  they  are  lighter  weights  ;  they  seem  dingy-brown,  with  a 
gray  space  underneath  the  wing ;  the  tail  is  long ;  the  fore-border  of  the  wing  is  bent  at  a  salient  angle,  and  there  is  a 
corresponding  re-entrance  in  its  hind  outline ;  the  tips  of  the  longest  quills  spread  apart  and  bend  upward  ;  and  one  may 
watch  these  splendid  tlyers  for  hours  without  perceiving  a  movement  of  the  pinions.  Comparing  now  the  Carrion-crows, 
they  are  seen  to  be  more  thick-set,  with  less  sweep  of  wing  and  shorter  and  more  rounded  tail,  beyond  which  the  feet 
may  project  ;  the  front  edge  of  the  wing  is  almost  straight,  and  the  back  border  sweeps  around  in  a  regular  curve  to  meet 
it  at  an  obtuse  point,  where  the  ends  of  the  quills  are  neither  spread  apart  nor  bent  upward.  The  birds  show  almost  block 
insteixd  of  brown  ;  in  pl.ice  of  a  large  gray  area  under  the  wing,  there  is  a  smaller  paler  gray  spot  at  the  jKjint  of  the  wing. 
And,  finally,  the  Carrion-crows  flap  their  wings  five  or  six  times  in  rapid  succession,  then  sail  a  few  momeuts  ;  their  flight 
appears  heavy,  and  even  laborious,  beside  the  stately  motion  of  their  relatives. 


Order  COLUMB^ :    Columbine  Birds. 

An  essential  character  of  birds  typical  of  this  group  is  found  in  structure  of  bill,  which  is 
horny  and  ccmvex  at  tip,  somewhat  contracted  in  continuity,  furnished  at  base  with  a  tumid 
membrane  in  which  the  nostrils  open.  Toes  4  ;  3  anterior,  generally  cleft  to  base,  but  ooca- 
siniially  witii  slight  webbing  ;  one  behind,  with  few  exceptions  perfectly  insistent  or  not  obvi- 
ously elevate(l.  Feet  desmopelmous  in  the  ordinary  way,  never  much  lengthened;  tarsus  is 
commonly  shorter  than  toes,  either  scutellato  or  extensively  feathered,  reticulate  on  sides  and 
behind  ;  envidop  rather  membranous  than  corne<ius.  (One  North  American  genus,  Staruirttas, 
has  entirely  reticidate  tarsus  and  elevated  hallux.)  On  the  whole,  the  feet  are  in.se.'<.sori«l,  not 
rasorial  ;  the  habit  is  arboreal,  not  terrestrial  ;  but  there  are  many  irroiind  pigeons,  sonic  quite 
fowl-like;  ;ind  jirogression   is  always  gradient,  never  saltatory.     The  wings  and  tail  do  uol 

45 


706  SYSTEMA  TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  COL UMBuE  —  PERISTER^. 

afford  ordinal  characters;  but  the  rectrices  are  usually  12  or  14  instead  of  the  higher  numbers 
usual  in  gallinaceous  birds,  but  run  up  to  ]6  in  Goura  and  some  species  of  Phaps,  even  to  20  in 
Otidiphaps  ;  and  the  wings  are  usually  long  and  tlat,  not  short  and  vaulted.  Plumage  desti- 
tute of  aftershafts  (qu.  Didus  f).  Syrinx  with  one  pair  of  intrinsic  muscles  and  asymmetrical 
extrinsic  muscles.  Oil-gland  nude,  when  present  (small  in  Treron,  etc.  ;  wanting  in  Goura, 
Starncenas) ;  gall-bladder  generally  absent  (present  exceptionally  in  some  true  Pigeons) ; 
coeca  absent,  or  present,  but  small ;  two  carotids ;  gizzard  muscular,  sometimes  in  part  horny 
or  even  osseous  ;  a  well-developed  oesophageal  crop  ;  intestine  varying  from  very  short  to  ex- 
tremely long  (7  feet  long  in  Didunculus  !).  There  are  many  good  osteological  characters; 
palate  schizognathous ;  nasal  bones  schizorhinal ;  basipterygoids  present  (except  in  Didus) ; 
sternum  doubly  notched,  or  notched  and  fenestrate,  on  each  side ;  pectoral  ridge  of  humerus 
salient  and  acute,  and  does  not  receive  the  insertion  of  the  2d  pectoral  muscle ;  ambiens  nor- 
mally present,  the  birds  being  unquestionably  homalogonatous,  but  sometimes  lost ;  femoro- 
caudal,  accessory  femoro-caudal,  semitendinosus,  and  accessory  semitendinosus  present ;  the 
fourth  glutseal  muscle,  which  in  other  schizorhinal  birds  covers  the  femur-head,  is  undeveloped 
(Garrod). 

Some  ornithologists,  like  Liljeborg,  enlarge  the  Columbine  order,  under  name  of  Pullas- 
tra,  to  receive  the  American  Curassows  (Cracida  —  see  beyond)  and  Old  World  Big-feet,  or 
Mound-birds  {Megcqwdidce)  ;  mainly  on  account,  it  would  appear,  of  the  low  position  of  the 
hallux  in  these  families.  But  the  balance  of  characters  favors  their  reference  to  the  gallina- 
ceous series,  where  they  are  relegated  by  Huxley.  While  there  is  no  question  that  Columbine 
birds  are  very  closely  related  to  Galline,  in  fact  inosculating  therewith,  it  seems  best  to  draw 
the  line,  if  one  must  be  drawn,  so  as  to  leave  the  CracidcE  and  31egapodidce  with  Gallince. 

The  Sand-grouse  (better  Sand-})igeons),  or  Pterodetes,  represent  the  inosculation  of  the 
two  series.  They  are  terrestrial  Columbines,  modified  for  a  grouse-like  life  ;  the  digestive  sys- 
tem is  fowl-like  (coeca  several  inches  long,  etc.)  ;  but  the  pterylosis,  the  sternum  and  humerus, 
the  cranial  and  many  other  characters,  are  pigeon-like.  The  skull  is  schizognathous  and 
holorhinal,  with  basipterygoids  ;  cervical  vertel)rfe  15  or  IG.  The  ambiens  and  other  classifi- 
catory  muscles  of  the  legs  (A  B  X  Y)  are  present,  together  with  the  biceps  slip  and  expansor 
of  the  secondaries.  The  intrinsic  syringeal  muscles  are  highly  developed.  There  are  two 
carotids,  a  nude  oil-gland,  and  gall-bladder.  The  plumage  is  aftershafted,  and  covers  the  feet 
to  the  claws  ;  the  wings  are  aquintocubital.  The  young  hatch  downy.  Of  the  two  genera, 
Pterocles  is  4-toed,  Syrrhap)tes  3-toed.  The  only  alternative  to  reference  of  Pterodetes  to  the 
Columbine  series  is  their  elevation  to  independent  ordinal  rank,  as  proposed  by  Huxley,  and 
as  now  generally  agreed  upon  by  ornithologists.  I  accordingly  modify  some  expressions  used 
in  former  editions  of  the  Key,  in  order  to  characterize  the  Columbce  more  strictly,  by  exclu- 
sion of  Pterodetes  therefrom. 

The  Columhce,  as  above  indicated,  are  exactly  conformable  to  Huxley's  Peristeromorphce. 
Assuming  the  imperfectly  known  extinct  Dodo,  Didus  ineptiis,  and  such  of  its  kindred  as  the 
Solitaire,  Pezophaps  solitarius,  to  have  been  modified  Columbines,  the  order  may  be  separated 
into  two  suborders,  Diui  and  Perister.e.     The  Peristerce  alone  are  American. 

Suborder  PERISTERiE  :  True  Columbine  Birds. 

(Equivalent  to  Coliimhce  proper  of  most  authors,  Peristeromorphce  of  Huxley;  Gemitores 
of  Macgillivray,  or  Gyraiites  of  Bona])arte  plus  Didunculus  ;  Columbce  of  Garrod  minus  Ptero- 
detes ;  Pullastrce  of  Liljeborg  minus  CracidcB  and  Megnpodidcc.)  Skull  schizognathous, 
schizorhinal ;  basipterygoids  prominent  (they  are  absent  from  Dldi)  ;  angle  of  mandible  not 
produced  but  abruptly  truncate  ;  rostrum  externally  as  abovesaid.  Dorsal  vertebrje  hetero- 
coelous.    Sternum  double-notched,  or  notched  and  fenestrate,  on  each  side,  rarely  single-notched 


PERISTEILE:    TRUE   COLUMBINE  BIRDS.  707 

{Geopliaps).  When  there  are  a  pair  of  notches  on  each  side,  the  outer  processes  are  short,  as 
in  Gallince.  Furculutn  well  developed  and  complete  (it  is  reduced  in  the  flightless  Didi)  ; 
pectoral  crest  of  humerus,  salient,  acute.  Carotids  two.  Syringeal  muscles  one  pair.  Coeca 
coli  small,  rudimentary,  or  wanting;  gizzard  muscular;  crop  developed;  gall-bladder  generally 
absent  (present  in  Carpophaga,  etc.).  Fourth  glutaeal  muscle  undeveloped;  second  pectoral 
specially  inserted ;  ambiens  normally  present,  or  wanting ;  deep  plantar  tendons  desmopel- 
mous,  that  of  the  hallux  alone  supplying  its  own  digit.  Oil-gland  nude,  small,  or  wanting. 
Plumage  without  aftershafts,  or  with  only  very  small  ones;  wings  aquintocubital ;  spinal 
pteryla  well  defined,  forked  over  the  shoulders.  Feet  insessorial ;  hallux  normally  insistent, 
in  some  terrestrial  genera  somewhat  elevated  and  shortened ;  tarsus  normally  scutellate  in 
front,  reticulate  on  the  sides  and  behind,  rarely  entirely  reticulate  (Gouridfe).  Rectrices  nor- 
mally 12  or  14,  exceptionally  IG  or  20.  Primaries  11.  Altricial;  psilopaedic  ;  monogamous; 
nidificant  ;  eggs  ordinarily  one  pair,  white. 

The  PeristercB  will  be  immediately  recognized  by  their  likeness  to  the  familiar  inmates  of 
the  dove-cot.  One  seemingly  trivial  circumstance  is  so  constant  as  to  become  a  good  clue  to 
these  birds :  the  frontal  feathers  do  not  form  antife  by  extension  on  either  side  of  culmen,  but 
sweep  across  base  of  bill  with  a  strongly  convex  outline  projected  on  culmen,  thence  rapidly 
retreating  to  the  commissural  point.  The  plumuleless  plumage  is  generally  com])act,  with 
thickened,  spongy  rhachis,  the  insertion  of  which  will  seem  loose  to  one  who  skins  a  bird  of 
this  suborder.  The  head  is  remarkably  small ;  nock  moderate  ;  body  full,  especially  in  the 
pectoral  region.  The  wings  are  strong,  generally  lengthened  and  pointed,  conferring  a  rapid, 
powerful,  whistling  flight ;  the  peculiar  aerial  evolutions  that  these  birds  are  wont  to  perform 
have  furnished  the  synonym  Gyrantes.  The  tail  varies  in  shape,  from  square  to  graduate,  but 
is  never  forked  ;  as  a  rule  tliere  are  12  rectrices,  frequently  increased  to  14,  as  in  nearly  all  the 
Treronidfe,  rarely  to  16  in  the  genera  Thoracotreron,  Phaps,  and  whole  family  Gouridcc,  ex- 
ceptionally to  20  in  the  genus  Otidiphaps  ;  all  the  North  American  genera  have  12,  excepting 
Zenaidura,  with  14.  The  feet  show  considerable  modification,  when  strictly  arboricole  are 
compared  with  more  terrestrial  species  ;  their  general  character  has  been  indicated  above.  The 
gizzard  is  large  and  muscular,  particularly  in  species  that  feed  on  seeds  and  other  hard  fruits  ; 
tlie  gullet  dilates  to  form  a  capacious  circumscribed  crcqi,  divided  into  lateral  halves,  or  tend- 
ing to  that  state.  This  organ  at  times  secretes  a  peculiar  milky  fluid,  which,  mixed  with 
macerated  food,  is  poured  by  regurgitation  directly  into  the  mouth  of  the  young;  thus  the 
fabled  "  pigeon's  milk"  has  a  strong  spice  of  fact,  and  in  this  remarkable  circumstance  we  see 
probably  the  nearest  approach,  among  birds,  to  the  characteristic  function  of  mammals.  "  The 
voice  of  the  turtle  is  heard  in  the  land  "  as  a  plaintive  cooing,  so  characteristic  as  to  have 
afforded  another  name  for  the  suborder,  Gemitores.  Pigeons  are  altricial,  i)silopa;dic,  and  mo- 
nogamous —  doubly  monogamous,  as  is  said  when  both  sexes  incubate  and  care  for  the  young  ; 
this  is  a  strong  trait,  compared  with  the  pryecocial,  ptilopajdic,  and  often  polygamous  nature 
of  rasorial  birds.  They  are  amorous  birds,  whose  passion  generally  results  in  a  tender  and 
constant  devotion,  edifying  to  contemphito,  but  is  often  marked  by  high  irascibility  and  jnig- 
nacity  —  traits  at  variance  with  the  amiable  meekness  which  Doves  are  supposed  to  symbolize. 
Tlicir  bliinduess  is  supposed  to  be  due  to  absence  of  tiie  gall-bladder.  The  nest,  as  a  rule,  is 
a  rude,  frail,  flat  structure  of  twigs;  the  eggs  are  usually  2  in  number,  sometimes  1,  wliite  ; 
when  2,  supposed  to  contain  the  germs  of  opposite  sexes  ;  the  period  of  incubation  is  usually 
between  2  and  3  weeks. 

"  The  entire  number  of  Pigeons  known  to  exi.^^t  is  about  300  ;  of  these  tin-  Malay  Archi- 
pelago already  counts  118,  while  oidy  28  are  found  iu  India,  23  in  Australia,  less  tlian  40  in 
Africa,  and  not  more  than  80  iu  the  whole  of  America."  (The  total  number  of  species  now 
known  is  about  475,  but  this  increase  over  fortnerly  known  ones  does  not  materially  atfect  tlie 
relative  proportions  of  the  figures  here  said.)     Tliey  focus  in  the  small  district   of  whicli  New 


708  SYSTEMATIC  SYNOPSIS.— COLUMBjE  —  PERISTERjE. 

Guinea  is  the  centre,  where  more  than  a  fourth  of  the  species  occur.  Mr.  Wallace  accounts  for 
this  by  the  absence  of  fruit-eating  forest  mammals,  sucli  as  monkeys  and  squirrels  ;  and  finds 
in  the  converse  the  reason  why  Pigeons  are  so  scarce  in  the  Amazon  valley,  and  there  chiefly 
represented  by  species  feeding  much  on  the  ground  and  breeding  in  the  bushes  lower  than 
monkeys  habitually  descend.  "  In  the  Malay  countries,  also,  there  are  no  great  families  of 
fruit-eating  Passeres,  and  their  place  seems  to  be  taken  by  the  true  Fruit-Pigeons,  which,  un- 
checked by  rivals  or  enemies,  often  form  with  the  Psittaci  the  prominent  and  characteristic 
features  of  the  Avifauna."     {Newton.) 

There  are  several  prominent  groups  of  Pigeons ;  but  authors  are  far  from  agreed  upon 
subdivisions  of  the  family.  It  is  not  probable  that  Garrod's  tliree  subfamilies,  based  upon 
characters  of  ambiens,  coeca,  gall-bladder,  and  oil-gland,  will  stand  without  great  modification, 
and  I  cannot  adopt  his  arrangement.  Sclater  divided  the  suborder  Columhce  as  above  defined 
into  two  families,  ColnmhidcB  and  CarpophariidcB,  to  which  he  afterward  added  Gowidce,  and 
probably  Didunculidce.  Bonaparte  made  five  families,  Didunculid(e,  Treronidce,  Columbidce, 
Caloenadidce,  and  Gouridce  (three  of  them  upon  single  genera),  with  12  subfamilies.  This  is  a 
pretty  good  scheme,  the  main  features  of  which  are  reflected  in  the  classification  adopted  by  the 
latest  monographer.  Thus,  Salvadori  has  also  five  families,  as  follows  :  1.  Treronid^,  with 
subfamilies  Treronina;,  Ptilopodince,  and  Cariwpliagince.  2.  ColumbidvE,  with  subfamilies 
Colmnbinoe,  Macropyfiiincc,  and  Ectopistincc.  3.  Peristerid^,  with  subfamilies  Zenaidina, 
Turturince,  Geopeliince,  Peristerincc,  Phahince,  Geotrygonina;,  and  Ccdocnadincc.  4.  Gouridje, 
one  genus.  5.  Didunculid^,  one  genus.  From  this  number  of  families  I  would  not  dissent, 
but  propose  to  raise  Caloenadince  to  the  rank  of  a  family,  and  unite  Salvadori's  Peristeridce  with 
his  Columhidce,  thus  reverting  to  the  Bonapartian  evaluation  of  the  five  major  groups,  whose 
characters  may  be  thus  indicated  :  — 

1.  The  extraordinary  Tooth-billed  Pigeon  of  the  Samoan  Islands,  Diduncidus  striyirostris, 
alone  represents  a  family,  with  its  stout,  compressed,  hooked,  and  toothed  beak,  and  many 
other  peculiarities.  The  length  of  intestine  is  excessive,  being  7  feet  instead  of  about  2,  as 
usual  in  Columbidce.     Ambiens  present;  oil-gland  and  gall-bladder  absent;  14  tail-feathers. 

(DlDUNCULID^E.) 

2.  The  singular  genus  Goura,  with  six  Papuan  species  like  G.  coronata,  is  outwardly  dis- 
tinguished by  its  immense  umbrella-like  crest  of  feathers  whose  webs  are  decomposed,  and 
possesses  anatomical  peculiarities  which  entitle  it  to  stand  alone  as  type  of  another  family. 
Tarsi  entirely  reticulate  ;  16  rectrices  ;  coeca,  gall-bladder,  oil-gland,  *  and  ambiens  wanting  ; 
intestines  4-5  feet  long  ;  the  pterylosis  is  galline  rather  than  columbine,  and  the  period  of  incu- 
bation is  greatly  protracted  (4  weeks)     (Gourid.e.) 

3.  The  single  Malaysian  genus  Ccdcenas,  with  two  species,  C.  nicobarica  and  C  pele- 
wensis,  has  a  very  tumid  bill,  and  acuminate,  lengthened,  pendulous  feathers  of  neck  like  those 
of  the  domestic  cock  and  hen ;  12  rectrices,  as  in  ordinary  Pigeons,  and  the  anatomy  is  con- 
formable to  a  usual  type,  except  that  the  lining  of  the  gizzard  is  ossified.     (Calcenadid^.) 

4.  The  Old  World  genera  Treron,  Ptilopus,  and  Carpophaga  are  leading  representatives 
of  a  large  group  of  fruit-eating,  arboricole  species,  with  a  short,  stout  beak,  short,  soft,  broad- 
soled,  and  extensively  feathered  feet,  normally  14  rectrices  (very  exceptionally  12  or  16),  and 
soft,  lustreless  plumage,  of  which  green  is  the  characteristic  color;  "  54  species  are  confined 
to  the  Austro-Malayan,  while  28  inhabit  the  Indo-Malayan,  subregion  ;  in  India  14,  and 
in  Africa  a  species  are  found  ;  30  inhabit  the  Pacific  Islands,  and  8  occur  in  Australia  or 
New  Zealand,  while  New  Guinea  has  14  species''  {Wallace).  (Family  Treronid^,  di- 
vided by  Salvadori  into :  Treronince,  7  genera,  43  species ;  Ptilopodin^,  5  genera  (one 
of  them,  Ptilopus,  M-ith  12  subgenera),  88  living  species ;  and  Carpophagincs,  7  genera  (one 

*  Beddard  has,  p.  314,  "with  "  these  organs,  by  evident  slip  for  "without,"  as  he  marks  them  all  absent  in  his 
table  on  p.  312. 


columbid^—columbinjE:  arboreal  pigeons.  709 

of  them,  Carpophaga,  with  6  subgenera),  59  living  species.  All  are  commonly  called  "  Fruit 
Pigeons.") 

5.  All  remaining  members  of  the  suborder  Peristerce  may  reasonably  be  held  to  consti- 
tute the  single 

Family  COLUMBID^:   True  Pigeons  or  Doves. 

Keadily  recognized  by  exclusion  of  the  characters  of  the  four  families  above  indicated.  These 
birds  are  Columbidce  plus  Peristeridce  and  minus  Caloenadince,  of  8alvadori.  Broadly  speaking 
they  fall  in  two  series,  corresponding  to  these  two  Salvadorian  families ;  but  the  nicer  sub- 
divisions are  less  easily  determined,  in  view  of  their  various  interrelationships,  (a)  We  may 
confidently  begin  by  setting  aside  in  a  subfamily  ColumbincB  a  certain  group  of  arboreal  Pig- 
eons with  short  feet,  at  least  partly  feathered  and  scutellate  tarsi,  always  12-feathered  tail,  2 
ccBca,  an  oil-gland,  an  ainbiens,  and  no  gall-bladder.  Tlie  leading  genera  of  this  subfamily 
are  the  square-tailed  Columba,  of  both  Old  and  New  Worlds,  tlie  wedge-tailed  Macropygia  of 
the  Old  W(jrld,  and  its  representative  in  the  New,  the  wedge-tailed  Ectopistes.  (6)  All 
other  Columbidce  are  of  more  or  less  terrestrial  habits,  and  have  lengthened  tarsi  more  or  less 
completely  bare  of  feathers.  Most  of  them  agree  in  possessing  an  ambiens  and  oil-gland,  but 
no  cojca  and  no  gall-bladder.  These  Ground  Doves  are  exemplified  by  such  genera  as  Peristera 
and  Melopelia  witli  12  rectrices,  and  Zenaidura\\\i\\  14,  of  America ;  by  Lojjholcemiis  with  J  2, 
Geopelia,  Phlogcenas,  and  Oci/phaps  with  14,  and  Pimps  with  16,  of  the  Old  World.  They 
are  the  Zenaidincc  and  Phapince  of  Bonaparte;  the  Zenaidince,  Turturince,  GeopeliincB,  Peris- 
ierince,  Phabincc,  and  Geotrygonince  of  Salvador!;  and  they  correspond  to  the  Phapinae  of 
Garrod.  I  doubt  that  so  many  as  six  subfamilies  can  be  established  upon  any  structural  char- 
acters, and  also  believe  that  those  just  named  should  be  reconstructed  with  more  regard  to 
geographical  distribution.  The  Bonapartiau  Zenaidince  would  seem  to  cover  all  the  American 
Ground  Doves,  with  the  probable  exception  of  the  genus  Starnoenas,  which  diflfers  from  the 
rest  more  notably  than  authors,  excepting  Garrod,  seem  to  have  appreciated,  though  it  is  con- 
nected with  the  others  by  the  genus  Geotrygon;  it  is  a  pullet-like  Ground  Pigeon  with  long 
reticulate  tarsus,  short  and  somewhat  elevated  hind  toe,  two  coeca,  and  no  oil-gland  nor  ambi- 
<'ns  —  the  reverse  of  the  rule  in  Zenaidince.  On  these  accounts  I  made  it  the  type  of  a  sub- 
family StarncenadincB  in  the  second  edition  of  the  Key,  1884. 

Of  the  several  groups  thus  indicated,  3  are  North  American.     They  may  readily  be  dis- 
tinguished as  follows  : 

Analysis  of  North  American  Subfamilies  of  Columbidce. 

Tarsi  scutellate,  feathered Columhince 

Tarsi  scutellate,  naked Zenaidincc 

Tarsi  reticulate,  naked Slarnoenadinct 

Subfamily   COLUMBIN>E  :   Arboreal  Pigeons. 

Feet  and  l>ill  small  ;  tarsus  short,  not  Ioniser  tlian  lateral  toes,  scutellate  in  front,  feath- 
ered above.     Wing  pointed.     Tail  variable  in  shape,  of  12  rectrices. 

Analysis  of  Genera. 

Tail  nearly  even,  much  shorter  tlian  the  wing,  with  broad  obtuse  feathers Cotumlta 

Tail  long,  cuncate,  equal  to  wiugs,  with  narrow  tapering  feathers Kctoyistrs 

C'OLUM'BA.  (Lat.  columba,  a  piijfon.)  Bill  short  and  comparatively  stout,  about  half  as 
liiiii,'  as  head.  Wiiiirs  pointed,  2d  and  '-V\  quills  longest.  No  black  spots  on  scapulars.  Lat- 
eral toes  of  about  eijual  lengths,  witli  claws  about  as  long  as  middle  toe  without;  hind  too 


710  SYSTEMA  TIC   S  YNOPSIS.  —  COL UMB.E  —  PERISTER.E. 

and  claw  about  as  long  as  lateral  without.  Coutaiiis  the  domestic  Pigeon,  C.  livia ;  Stock 
Dove,  C.  anas;  Ring  Dove,  C.  palumbus,  and  numerous  other  species  of  both  hemi- 
spheres. 

Analysis  of  Species. 

A  white  band  on  nape ;  metallic  scales  of  nape  without  borders.    Tail  with  light  terminal  and  dark  subterminal  bars ; 

bill  and  feet  yellow,  former  black-tipped fasciata 

No  white  on  head ;  no  metallic  scales  on  nape  ;  tail  not  banded  ;  bill  and  feet  not  yellow flavirostris 

Top  of  head  white  ;  tail  not  banded  ;  metallic  feathers  of  nape  black-bordered leucocep/iala 

See  description,  below,  for squamosa 

C.  fascia'ta.  (Lat.  fasciata,  banded ;  alluding  to  the  bars  on  the  tail.)  Band-tailed 
Pigeon.  White-collared  Pigeon.  Adult  ^  :  Head,  neck,  and  under  parts  purplish 
wine-red,  fading  to  white  on  belly  and  crissum;  nape  with  a  distinct  white  half-collar;  cervix 
with  a  patch  of  metallic,  scaly,  bronze-green  feathers.  Rump,  upper  tail-coverts,  lining  of 
wings,  and  sides  i>f  body,  slaty-blue.  Back  and  scapulars  dark  greenish-brown,  with  consid- 
erable lustre,  changing  on  wing-coverts  to  slaty-blue,  these  feathers  with  light  edging.  Quills 
blackish-brown,  with  pale  edging  along  sinuous  portion  of  outer  webs.  Tail  bluish-ash,  paler 
beyond  the  middle  on  top  and  much  paler  below,  crossed  at  the  middle  by  a  black  bar.  Bill 
yellow,  tipped  with  black;  feet  yellow,  claws  black  ;  a  red  ring  round  eye  —  these  colors  con- 
spicuous in  life.  A  large  stout  species:  length  16.00;  extent  about  27.00 ;  wing  8.00-8.50, 
pointed;  tail  5.50-6.00,  square;  bill  0.75,  stout  for  a  Pigeon  ;  tarsus  1.00,  feathered  half-way 
down  in  front ;  middle  toe  and  claw  1.67.  Adult  9  '•  Back,  wings,  and  tail,  as  in  ^;  metallic 
scales  and  white  collar  obscure  or  wanting.  Head  and  under  parts  much  less  purplish,  the  rich 
hue  replaced  by  a  rusty-brown  wash  on  an  ashy  ground  ;  yellow  of  feet  and  bill  obscured  ; 
smaller;  wing 7.50;  tail  4.75.  Young  ^:  Resembling  9  hi  dulness  of  coloration,  but  the  feath- 
ers of  most  parts  with  indistinct  light  edgings;  no  sign  of  a  clean  collar,  under  parts  dull  gray, 
browner  on  the  breast.  Rocky  Mts.  to  the  Pacific,  U.  S.  and  British  Columbia,  S.  to  Guate- 
mala, common  and  of  general  but  irregular  distribution,  chiefly  in  woodland,  and  especially 
where  acorns,  upon  which  it  largely  subsists,  can  be  procured  ;  sometimes  in  flocks  of  great 
extent.  Nest  very  slight  and  frail,  in  trees  and  bushes,  rarely  on  the  ground ;  eggs  2,  on  our 
southern  border  only  one  as  a  rule,  equal-ended,  Avhite,  glistening,  averaging  1.60  X  1-15, 
ranging  from  1.75  X  1-20  down  to  1.45  X  1-10,  laid  in  almost  every  month  of  the  year,  and 
said  to  be  sometimes  carried  about  by  the  9  • 

C.  f .  vios'cae.  (To  Mr.  Viosca,  U.  S.  Consul,  La  Paz,  Lower  California.)  Viosca's 
Pigeon.  Similar  to  C  fasciata,  but  with  the  tail-band  wanting  or  only  ftiintly  indicated, 
the  general  coloration  lighter  and  more  uniform,  the  vinaceous  tints,  especially,  being  nnjre  or 
less  replaced  by  bluish-ash.  Lower  California.  Brewst.  Auk,  Jan.  1888,  p.  86 ;  CouES, 
Key,  4th  ed,  1890,  p.  904 ;  A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  312  a. 

C.  flaviros'tris.  (Lat.  flavirostris,  yellow-billed;  Jlavus,  yellow;  rostrum,  beak.)  Red- 
billed  Pigeon.  Adult  ^i  Head,  neck,  and  breast  dark  purplish  wine-red,  with  a  slight 
glaucous  overcast,  like  the  bloom  on  a  grape  ;  no  metallic  scales  on  neck.  Middle  wing- 
coverts  like  the  head.  Middle  of  back,  and  some  inner  wing-quills,  dark  olive-brown  with  a 
bronze-green  gloss.  Greater  wing-coverts,  lining  of  wings,  sides  of  body,  belly,  crissum,  and 
rump,  slate-colored,  sometimes  quite  sooty,  sometimes  more  bluish;  tail  like  rump,  but  more 
blackish,  quite  uniform,  having  no  lighter  or  darker  bands.  Quills  of  wing  dark  slate  with 
narrow  pale  edging.  Bill  pink  for  basal  half,  rest  pale  horn-color;  feet  purplish-red,  with 
pale  claws;  eye-ring  red;  iris  orange.  Bill  and  feet  drying  an  undefinable  color.  Bill  re- 
markable for  forward  extension  of  feathers  on  culmen,  to  within  0.50  of  tip,  covering  nasal  scale. 
Length  13.50-14.50;  extent  23.00-25.00;  wing  7.50-8.00;  tail  5.00-5.50;  tarsus  0.87; 
middle  toe  and  claw  1.50.  9  '^"d  yr>ung  similar,  duller,  and  more  dilute  in  color,  the  wine-red 
and  slate-color  more  ashy.     Central  America,  Mexico,  Lower  California,  N.  to  Texas,  New 


columbidjE—columbin.E:  arboreal  pigeons. 


711 


Mexico,  and  Arizona ;  a  dark,  riclily  colored  Pigeon,  common  in  the  valley  of  the  Lower  Rio 
Grande  during  most  of  the  year.  Nest  in  trees  and  bushes,  of  twigs,  grasses,  and  roots,  well- 
formed  for  a  Pigeon's  ;  egg  single,  in  all  instances  observed  in  the  U.  S.,  equal-ended,  glisten- 
ing white;  averaging  1.55  X  1-10;  laid  mostly  in  April,  May,  but  also  irregularly  in  other 
months.  (C.  erythrina  of  previous  editiims  of  the  Key  —  a  name  I  used  to  avoid  saying 
"  fiavirostris  "  for  a  bird  whose  bill  is  not  yellow,  though  the  red  may  fade  to  a  dingy  yellow- 
isli  in  dried  skins.) 

C.  leucoce'phala.  (Gr.  Xfv/co'j,  leucos,  white;  Kecf)a\rj.  }:ephale,  Iiead.)  White-crowked 
Pigeon.  Adult  $  9  •  D'H"'^  slaty,  paler  below,  the  quills  and  tail-feathers  darkest.  Whole 
top  of  head  pure  white  ;  hind  neck  above  ricli  maroon-brown,  lower  down  and  laterally  metallic 
golden-green,  each  feather  black-edged,  giving  the  appearance  of  scales.  Bill  and  feet  dark 
carmine  or  lake  red,  tip  of  former  bluish-white;  bill  drying  dusky  with  yellowish  tip,  feet 
dingy  yellowish.  Iris  yellow  or  white.  Length  13.00-14.00;  e.\'tent  23.00;  wiog7.50;  tail 
5.75.  9  *'"ly  duller  than  $.  West  Indies  aud  Florida  Keys.  Nest  in  trees  and  bushes,  of 
twigs,  roots,  and  grasses;  eggs  2,  wliite,  1.45  X  1-05. 

C.  squamo'sa.  (Lat.  squamosa,  scaly  ;  squama,  a  scale.)  SQUAMOUS  PiGEOX.  Adult  ^: 
Head,  neck,  and  breast  rich  viuous  ;  no  white  on  head ;  sides  of  neck  metallic  violet,  each 
feather  distinctly  edged  with  velvety  maroon  ;  general  pliniiage  dark  plumbeous,  scarcely 
paler  below;  quills  with  narrow  light  edgings;  tail  dark  slate;  bill  lake  red,  tipped  with  yel- 
lowish white;  bare  skin  round  eyes  dull  red  with  a  yellowish  bloom;  iris  with  scarlet  inner 
and  golden  outer  ring ;  feet  lake  red  ;  claws  dark  horn  color.  Length  about  14.00  ;  wing  8.50; 
tail  6.00;  bill  0.62;  tarsus  1.08.  9  similar,  rather  smaller  and  duller.  Young:  brown,  with 
rufus  chestnut  tips  of  the  feathers.  West  Indies,  except  Jamaica  and  Bahamas ;  casual  at 
Key  West,  Florida,  one  specimen,  adult  9,  Oct.  24,  1898  (Auk,  July,  1899,  p.  272). 
C.  corensis,  Temm.  1813,  nee  Jacq.  1784.  C  squamosa,  Bonn.  Tabl.  Ency.  Meth.  i,  1790, 
p.  234. 

ECTOPIS'TKS.  (Gr.  eKTonicTrrj^,  ektopistes,  a  wanderer;  very  appropriate.)  PASSENGER 
I'lcEONS.  Tail  long,  eijuul  to  wini,^s,  ('uiieate,  of  12  tnpering  acuminate  featliers,  ])arti-colored. 
AVing  acutely  pointed 
by  first  3  primaries, 
with  bhick  spots  on 
coverts.  Bill  small, 
with  culmeu  less  than 
half  the  head,  short 
gonys,  feathered  far 
forward  between  the 
rami.  Tarsi  short, 
feathered  part  way 
down  in  front,  where 
scutelhite,  but  not  in 
one  regular  row  of 
scales.  Lateral  toes 
unequal.  Sexes  un- 
like. 

K.  Ill  injrato'rius. 
(Lilt.  i>ii[iratorius,  mi- 
gratory. Fig.  482.)  Passenger  Pigeon.  W^ild  Pigeon.  Adult  (;J:  Upper  parts,  includ- 
ing iiead  all  around,  slaty-blue,  bright  and  pure  on  liead  and  rump,  shaded  with  olivaceous- 
gray  ou  back  and  wings;  back  and  sides  of  neck  glittering  witli  golden  and  violet  iritlescence  ; 
wing-coverts  with  velvety-black  spots.      Below,   from  throat,  light   purplish-chestuut,   paler 


Fio.  482.  —  Passenger  Pigeon.     (From  Tenney,  after  Wilson.) 


712  SYSTEMA  TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  COL  UMBM  —  PERISTERjE. 

behind  ami  fading  into  white  on  lower  belly  and  crissum.  Tibise,  sides  of  body,  and  lining 
of  wings  like  upper  parts.  Quills  blackish,  with  rufous-white  edging.  Two  middle  tail-feath- 
ers blackish  ;  others  fading  from  pearly-bluish  into  white,  their  extreme  bases  with  black  and 
chestnut  spots.  Bill  black;  feet  lake  red,  drying  an  undefinable  color;  iris  orange;  skin  about 
eye  red.  Length  about  17.00,  but  very  variable,  according  to  development  of  tail ;  extent 
23.00-25.00;  wing  8.00-8.50;  tail  about  the  same,  the  lateral  feathers  graduated  rather  more 
than  half  its  length;  bill  0.75;  tarsus  1.00;  middle  toe  and  claw,  1.25.  Adult  9-  Upper 
parts,  wings,  and  tail,  as  in  $;  below,  brownish-gray,  fading  posteriorly.  Young:  Like  9» 
but  still  duller  ;  little  or  no  clear  slaty  except  on  rump  ;  plumage  varied  with  white  crescentic 
edges  of  the  feathers,  especially  on  back  and  wings  ;  quills  edged  about  with  rufous;  most  of 
the  lateral  tail-feathers  gray.  "  Wanders  continually  in  search  of  food  throughout  all  parts  of 
North  America  ;  wonderfully  abundant  at  times  in  particular  districts  ;  "  chiefly,  however, 
woodland  of  North  America,  E.  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  casually  only  W.  of  them.  We  do  not 
now  have  the  millions  that  the  earlier  writers  speak  of  in  the  Eastern  United  States  ;  and  no 
contract  for  service  has  for  many  years  included  a  clause  that  the  hireling  should  not  be  fed  too 
often  on  wild  Pigeons  or  salmon  ;  but  I  remember  one  great  flight  over  Washington,  D.  C, 
when  I  was  a  boy,  about  1858,  and  I  witnessed  in  1873  another,  of  countless  thousands,  on 
the  Red  River  of  the  North  ;  the  greatest  roosts  and  flights  we  now  (1897)  hear  of  are  in  the 
upper  Mississippi  Valley,  though  some  of  the  birds  may  still  breed  in  various  wooded  places 
all  along  our  northern  border  and  northward  to  Hudson's  Bay.  The  Wild  Pigeon  seems  now 
a  passenger  to  happier  hunting-grounds  than  it  or  the  Indian  has  ever  found  in  this  country, 
in  the  wake  of  the  bison  and  the  fur  seal ;  it  has  been  often  subjected  to  merciless  and  almost 
wanton  destruction  by  hundreds  of  thousands  at  a  single  roost  in  a  single  season ;  and  if  it  is 
not  entirely  exterminated  soon,  it  will  be  only  because  there  are  too  few  left  to  pay  for  perse- 
cution. Nest  in  trees  and  bushes,  usually  a  slight  frail  platform  of  twigs,  so  open  as  to  leave 
the  egg  visible  from  below.     Eggs  1  or  2,  equal-ended,  1.45  X  1-05. 

Subfamily   ZENAIDIN>E:   Ground   Doves. 

Feet  larger  than  in  Columbince.  Tarsus  lengthened  to  exceed  lateral  toes,  entirely  naked 
and  scutellate  in  front  (scarcely  feathered  in  Scarda fella) .  Tail-feathers  normally  12,  rarely 
14  or  more  (Zenaiclura  the  only  North  American  Pigeon  with  more  than  12).  Seven  North 
American  genera,  each  (excepting  Geotrygon)  of  a  single  species  in  this  country.  (The  name 
of  the  subfamily  may  preferably  be  changed  to  Peristerince,  for  the  reason  that  the  generic 
name  Perisiera  antedates  Zenaida.) 

Analysis  of  Genera. 

Tail  of  14  feathers,  long  and  wedge-shaped Zenaidura 

Tail  of  12  feathers. 

Outer  primary  attenuate,  bistoury-like Engyptila 

Outer  primary  normal. 

Tail  longer  than  wing,  double-rounded Scardafella 

Tail  about  equal  to  wing.     Tar.sus  not  shorter  than  middle  toe  and  claw Geotrygon 

Tail  shorter  than  wing      Tarsus  shorter  than  middle  toe  and  claw. 

No  blue-black  spot  nor  metallic  lustre  on  head  or  neck Coluiuhignllina 

A  blue-black  spot  and  metallic  lustre  on  head  or  neck. 

Black  spots  and  no  white  patch  on  wing Zenaida 

White  patch  and  no  black  spots  on  wing Melopelia 

ENGYP'TILA.  (Gr.  iyyvs,  efjfjus,  narrow,  straitened  ;  tttiXoi/,  2)tilo)i,  feather ;  alluding  to  the 
outer  primary.)  PiN-wiNG  DoVES.  First  primary  abruptly  emarginate,  attenuate  and  linear 
near  tlie  end.  Wings  of  moderate  length  ;  3d  and  4th  primaries  longest ;  1st  shorter  than  7th. 
Tail  much  shorter  than  wings,  rounded,  of  12  broad  feathers.    Tarsus  entirely  naked,  equalling 


COLUMBID.E  —  ZENAIDIN^:    GROUND  DOVES. 


713 


or  rather  exceeding  middle  toe  and  c-law.  Lateral  toes  nearly  equal,  ends  of  their  claws  reach- 
ing about  opposite  base  of  middle  claw.  Hind  toe  shortest  of  all,  but  perfectly  incumbent. 
]}ill  small  and  slender,  much  shorter  tlian  liead.  A  considerable  naked  space  about  eye,  thence 
extending  in  a  narrow  line  to  bill.  Si/e  medium  or  rather  small.  Body  full  and  stout.  Color- 
ation subdued,  but  hind-head  and  neck  iridescent.  No  metallic  spots  on  wing  or  head.  Lining 
of  wings  chestnut.  (Only  North  American  genus  with  attenuate  outer  primary.)  (Leptotilu  I 
Sw.  1837,  correctly  Leptoptila  G.  11.  Guay,  1841,  antedated  by  Leptoptilos  Less.  1831,  a 
genus  of  Storks;  the  fact  that  Swaiuscm  niisspelled  it  docs  not  justify  its  use  by  the  A.  0.  U. 
for  this  genus  of  Pigeons,  for  it  is  just  as  much  preoccupied  in  its  wrong  form  as  it  is  in  its 
right  form,  in  either  case  being  identically  the  same  word  as  Leptoptilos.  Engijptila  Sund. 
Tent.  1873,  p.  156,  and  of  2d-4th  editions  of  the  Key;  I  had  overlooked  this  name  when  I 
jiroposed  JJ'^.chmoptiJa  in  1878.     Homopiila  Salvad.  1871.) 

E.  fulviveiitris  brachyptera.  (Lat.  fulnis,  fulvous  ;  venter,  belly.  Gr.  I3paxvs,  brachus, 
short;  TTTfpoV,  p)teron,  wing.     Fig.  483.)     White-fronteu  Dove.     Adult  ^•.  Upper  parts 


U^ 


Fio.  48.3.  —  Details  of  EngyptUa  /ulvivenlris  brachyptern ;  head  and  foot  nat.  size:  wing  and  tail 
reduced.     (Ad.  nat.  del.  R.  Ridgway.) 

browiiisli-olive,  with  silky  lustre  (mucli  as  in  Coccijzhs  americanus,  for  example).  Hind-head, 
nape,  and  back  and  sides  of  neck  with  coppery-pur[)li.s]i  iridescence.  Top  of  liead  of  a  bluish 
or  glaucous  '*  bloom,"  fading  to  creamy-wiiite  on  forehead.  Under  parts  dull  white  or  whitish, 
more  or  less  sliaded  with  olive-brnwn  on  sides,  deepening  on  fore-breast  and  jugulum  to  pale 
vinaceous  ;  belly,  crissum,  and  chin  quite  }iurely  white.  Wing-coverts  and  inner  quills  like 
back,  and  without  metallic  spots  ;  other  large  remiges  slaty-l)lackish,  with  very  narrow  pale 
edging  toward  the  end.  Under  wing-coverts  and  axillaries  bright  chestnut.  Two  middle  tail- 
feathers  like  back;  others  slaty-black,  tipped  with  white  in  decreasing  amount  from  the  outer 
ones  inward,  the  largest  white  tips  about  O.oO  in  extent.  Hill  black.  Feet  carmine-red.  Iris 
yellow.  Bare  skin  around  eye  red  and  livid  blue.  Length  l:2.()()-12.r)() ;  extent  1D.01)-1!» ..lO  ; 
wing  (i.()()-(>..3();  tail  4.t>.")-4..")();  bill  ().(;(M>.7U ;  tarsus  l.'.25-1.3.")  ;  middle  toe  ami  claw  rather 
liss.  9  similar,  duller  everywhere,  and  especially  less  iriilesceut  on  the  neck.  Central 
-Vmerica  and  Mexico  to  the  Lower  Ivio  Grande  of  Texas,  where  it  is  found  during  most  of  the 
year,  and  is  known  to  Imcd.  Xr.-t  in  a  liiish,  large  for  a  Pigeon's,  of  slick.s,  twigs,  and  weed- 
vstrips  ;  eggs  2,  creamy  or  pale  bully  wiiite,  1.122  X  ••.72.     This  bird  was  ailded  to  our  fauna  by 


714  ^'  YS  2 'EMA  TIC   S  YNOPSIS.  —  COL  UMB.E  —  PERIS  TER^. 

Sennett  (Coues,  Bull.  Nutt.  Club,  July,  1877,  p.  82).  It  has  au  extremely  unfortunate  synony- 
matic  record.  Besides  all  the  trouble  with  the  generic  name  (see  above),  it  bears  the  follovvin<'- : 
Peristera  hmchi/ptera  G.  R.  GtUAY,  185(3,  a  bare  name  having  no  standing  till  used  as  Leptoptila 
hraclujptera  by  Salvadori,  in  18'J3,  for  the  stock  species.  Leptoptila  ulbifrons,  of  authors, 
not  of  Bp.,  whose  bird  turns  out  to  be  another  species,  ^chmoptila  ulbifrons  Coues,  1878. 
Engyptila  albifrons  Coues,  Key,  2d-4th  eds.  1884-90,  p.  567;  Riugw.  Man.  1887,  p.  214; 
A.  0.  U.  List,  1886,  No,  318.  Leptoptila  falHcentris  Lawr.  1882,  and  Engyjjtila  fitlfiventris 
Lawr.  1885,  being  the  earliest  names  given  with  a  description  to  the  stock  form  from  Yuca- 
tan, and  our  bird  being  a  subspecies  of  that,  it  becomes  fulviventris  hracliyptera ;  and  this 
phrase,  coupled  with  the  misspelled  generic  name  that  Swainson  gave  these  birds  in  1837,  pro- 
duces the  strictly  canonical  miracle  of  Leptotila  fulviventris  hracliyptera  (Salvad.),  A.  0.  U. 
List,  2d  cd.  1895,  No  318. 

ZENAIDU'RA.  (Zenaida,  nom.  propr.,  and  ovpd,  onra,  tail.)  Pin-tail  Doves.  Tail  long, 
about  equalling  wings,  cuneate,  of  14  narrow,  tapering,  obtuse-ended  feathers  (unique  among 
North  American  Columhidcc).  Wings  pointed;  2d  primary  rather  longest,  1st  and  3d  about 
equal  and  scarcely  shorter.  Tarsus  naked,  scutellate  in  front,  in  length  intermediate  between 
middle  and  lateral  toes  ;  latter  of  unequal  lengths,  outer  shortest.  Bill  much  shorter  than  head, 
slender  and  weak,  the  feathers  running  out  far  between  the  rami.  A  bare  circumorbital  space. 
Velvety  black  spots  on  head  and  wings.  Lining  of  wings  not  rufous.  Sexes  unlike.  There 
is  a  curious  mimicry  oi  Edopistes  in  form  and  even  in  color  ;  but  the  technical  characters  are 
widely  different. 

Z.  macrura.  (Gr.  fiaKpov,  makros,  long,  and  ovpd,  oura,  tail.  Fig.  484.)  Carolina  Dove. 
Mourning  Dove.    Turtle  Dove.    Wild  Dove.     Adult  ^:  Upper  parts,  including  middle 

tail-feathers,  grayish-blue  shaded  with  brown- 
ish-olive; head  and  neck  ochrey-brown  overlaid 
with  glaucous  blue ;  sides  of  neck  glittering 
with  golden  and  ruby  iridescence ;  a  violet- 
black  spot  under  ear-coverts.  Under  parts 
glaucous  -  purplish,  changing  gradually  to 
ochraceous  on  belly  and  crissum,  to  bluish  on 
sides  and  under  wings,  to  whitish  on  chin  ; 
the  purplish  tint  spreading  up  on  sides  and 
front  of  head  to  blend  with  the  glaucous-blue. 
Fig.  484. -Carolina  Dove,  nat.  size.     (Ad.  nat.  del.  E.  C.)     gj.^^j^     ^^^^^    ^^^    ^^^^^^    ^,f    ^j^^    SCapulars    and 

wing-coverts,  most  of  which  are  c(dored  to  correspond  with  back,  the  larger  ones  being  rather 
bluish-plumbeous.  Lateral  tail-feathers  plumbeous-bluish,  crossed  with  a  black  bar,  the  outer 
4  on  each  side  broadly  ended  with  white.  Bill  black  ;  angle  of  mouth  carmine  ;  iris  brown  ; 
bare  skin  around  eye  livid  bluish  ;  feet  lake-red,  drying  dull  yellowish.  Length  about  12.50; 
extent  about  18.00;  wing  5.75;  tail  the  same,  the  feathers  graduated  for  ^  its  length  ;  cuhnen 
0.60;  tarsus  0.80;  middle  toe  and  claw  1 .00.  Adult  9=  A  little  smaller,  not  purplLsh  below, 
the  rich  color  replaced  by  grayish-brown,  like  back  but  paler;  head  and  neck  with  little  glau- 
cous blue  shade,  and  less  iridescent.  Young:  Like  9;  l»ut  at  an  early  age  the  velvety-black 
spots  and  iridescence  are  wanting,  and  the  general  tone  is  quite  gray ;  many  feathers  with 
whitish  edging,  as  in  the  Wild  Pigeon,  with  which  not  only  the  colors  but  the  sexual  and 
juvenile  differences  are  thus  closely  correspondent.  Temperate  N.  Am.,  N.  to  southern  British 
provinces,  most  widely  diffused  of  its  tribe,  abundant  in  most  localities,  in  st)me  swarming  — 
"  millions"  in  Arizona,  for  example.  S.  to  the  West  Indies  and  Panama.  Irregularly  migra- 
tory, imperfectly  gregarious;  great  numbers  may  be  together,  but  scarcely  in  compact  Hocks; 
breeds  throughout  its  North  American  range.  Terrestrial  rather  than  arboreal,  almost  always 
feeding  on  the  ground ;    where  very  numerous,  they  become  familiar,  like  Blackbirds  in  the 


columbidjE  —  zenaidinxE:  ground  doves.  715 

West.  Nest  in  trees  (usually  low  tlown),  cactus  or  bushes,  or  on  ihe  ground  or  a  cliff.  Eggs 
2,  or  only  1,  white,  equal-ended,  averaging  1.12  X  0.82;  2  or  even  3  broods  in  the  South. 
During  the  mating  season,  where  these  birds  are  numerous,  their  cooing  resounds  on  every 
hand.  (Z.  carolinensis  of  former  editions  of  the  Key,  as  of  most  authors,  after  Columba  caro- 
linensi!^  Lixx.  17G(),  based  on  Catesbv,  pi.  24,  1754;  C.  mun/inata  Lkw.  17(J(i,  based  on 
Edwards,  pi.  lo,  1750;  C.  macroura  Lixx.  1758,  in  so  far  as  based  on  Edwards.) 
ZENAI'DA.  (A  proper  name,  that  of  Zeuaide,  cousin  and  wife  of  Prince  C.  L.  Bonaparte.) 
Love  Doves.  Tail  rounded,  shorter  than  wings,  of  12  feathers.  "Wings  long,  pointed  by  2d 
and  3d  quills;  1st  little  shorter.  Bill  short,  slender,  black.  Feet  as  in  other  ZenaiVZin^  ;  tarsus 
intermediate  in  length  between  middle  and  lateral  toes ;  those  of  unequal  length,  inner  a  little 
the  longer.  Circumorbital  space  little  bare.  Metallic  iridescence  on  neck ;  blue-black  ear- 
spot,  and  others  on  wings.  Sexes  similar.  (West  Indian  and  Tropical  American.) 
Z.  zeiiai'da.  Zenaida  Dove.  Adult  $  ?  :  Olive-gray  with  a  reddish  tinge  ;  crown  and 
nnder  parts  vinaceous-red  ;  sides  and  a.xillars  bluish  ;  a  velvety-black  subauricular  spot,  and 
others  on  wing-coverts  and  tcrtiaries  ;  secondaries  tii)pc(l  with  white;  neck  with  purplish 
metallic  lustre;  middle  tail-feathers  like  back,  others  bluisli  with  whiter  tips,  a  black  band 
intervening  ;  bill  black  with  crimson  corners  of  mouth  ;  iris  brown  ;  feet  red  ;  claws  black. 
Length  10.00- II. 00;  wing  6.00;  tail  4.00.  West  Indies,  Yucatan,  and  Florida  Keys,  the 
latter  irregularly,  and  only  as  a  rare  summer  visitor,  but  breeding.  Nest  usually  on  the 
ground;  eggs  2.  white,  1.25  X  0.95.  (Z.  amabilis  of  former  editions  of  the  Key,  as  of  most 
authors;  Columba  zenaida  Bp.  1825.  According  to  Sharpe,  II.  L.  1808,  p.  7G,  this  is  C. 
meridionalis  Lath.  1801,  wrongly  ascribed  to  "  New  Holland."'  Cf.  Salvad.  Br.  Mus.  Cat. 
x.\-i,  180.3,  ]..  ()4I  ;  Forbes  &  Robins.,  Bull.  Liverp.  Mus.  i,  p.  3G.) 

3IKLOPKLI'A.  ((jlr.  ^eXos,  melos,  melody;  rriXfia,  i^eleia,  a  dove.)  Wiiite-wixged  Doves. 
Tail  rounded,  shorter  tlian  wing,  of  12  broad,  rounded  feathers.  Wings  pointed  ;  1st,  2d,  and 
3d  primaries  nearly  e(jual  and  longest.  Bill  slender  and  lengthened,  equalling  tarsus,  black. 
A  large  bare  circumorbital  space.  A  blue-black  spot  below  auriculars,  but  none  on  wings  ; 
neck  with  metallic  lustre.  A  great  white  space  on  wing.  Feet  as  in  other  Zenaiditue.  Sexes 
similar. 

31.  leucop'tera.  (Gr.  \evK6s,  leiicos,  white;  irrepov,  pteron,  wing.)  White- wiXGED  Dove. 
SiXGiX(r  Dove.  Adult  ^:  Wing  with  a  broad  white  bar  oblique  from  carpal  joint  to  ends  of 
longest  coverts,  continued  by  white  edging  at  and  near  ends  of  outer  webs  of  secondaries ;  very 
conspicuou-s  recognizable  at  gun-shot  range.  Lower  back  and  rump,  some  of  the  middle  cov- 
erts, lining  of  wings,  and  entire  under  parts  from  breast,  fine  lii^ht  bluish-ash.  Primaries 
blackish  with  narrow  white  edging.  Tail,  excepting  two  middle  feathers,  slaty-blue,  becoming 
gradually  slaty-black,  then  broadly  and  squarely  tipped  with  ashy-white.  General  color  of 
back,  lesser  wing-coverts,  inner  quills,  and  middle  tail-feathers,  olive-bn)wn  with  some  lustre; 
tail-feathers  browner ;  top  of  head  and  back  of  neck  purplish-vinous  with  a  slight  glaucous 
sliade  ;  sides  of  neck  iridescent  with  golden-green  ;  a  vi(det  or  steel-blue  spot  below  auriculars. 
r.ill  black,  very  slender.  Length  U.25-12.25;  extent  10.00-20.00;  wing  (;.(MMi..-)0 ;  tail 
4.()0-4..')0 ;  bill  0.87;  tarsus  0.87;  middle  toe  and  claw  1.25.  9  scarcely  distinguishalile, 
tlmugli  duller.  In  tiic  youngest,  the  white  wing-bar  appears,  though  there  is  little  or  no  pur- 
plish, or  iridescence,  or  blue-black  below  ears.  Florida,  Texas,  New  Mexico,  Arizona,  and 
Lower  C'alifurnia,  and  southward  to  Central  America,  and  the  West  Indies;  sometimes  X.  to 
(''>lnrado  (CouEs),  breeding  anywhere  along  our  stiutliern  border,  and  abundant  in  suitabli* 
luciilities.  In  the  breeding  .season,  March-June,  the  sonorous  coning  of  this  PtilmiKi  cuntadnr, 
as  the  Mexicans  call  it,  is  incessant.  Nest  in  bushes  and  low  trees,  slight  ant!  frail,  uf  sticks 
Mild  weeds  ;  eggs  2,  rarely  1,  white  or  creamy,  averaging  1.18  X  0.88,  or  a  trille  more. 
<'<)l.l>II{KiALH'NA.  ( L.it.  cohtinha,  a  dove,  ])igeon,  and  galliun,  a  hen  :  tfallits,  n  cock.) 
DwAKi'   Doves.     Verv  siiiaii.     Wings  short  and   broad,    with   elonuali'd  inner  secondaries, 


iu>!uly  ovciTcavliiug  piiiujirit-s  in  the  t'oUU'tl  wiiii;-.  Tail  still  shurttT  tli.iu  wing,  uoarly  even, 
o(  rj  broad  tcatlu'is.  Uill  sliMulcr.  ahoiil  half  as  long  as  lu>ail,  mostly  yellow.  FiH't  largely 
/enaidino  ;  tarsus  as  long  as  luidillc  loc  wiiliout  elaw.  No  iridcsoMK-c  nor  bluc-lilaek  spot  on 
head  ;  sneh  spots  on  wings.  Sexes  nidiUe,  I'ul  A  roitles  <iinho.  {^('lt(ti)htpt'litt  ot"  nmst  writers, 
and  in  all  pr«>vions  i-ditions  of  ihe  ivey  ;  l>nl  iiuforiiiualely  the  niiseralde  word  ('oliinihiijallina 
Hoik.  Isis,  1S',*().  y.  V77 .  is  foreed  npon  us  by  tlie  law  of  priority,  in  spite  .if  tlie  faet  that  the 
original  "  I'oluinbigalline "  of  the  nuMidaeious  Le  \'aillaut  was  a  fictitious  Afriean  bird, 
made  up  of  a  tan\e  pi>;-eon  arlilieially  fuied  with  earuneles,  later  type  of  tht>  bogus  ueinis  IVr- 
nilid  :  (;/'.  SiNi>.  T.Mit.  IS?."?,  p.  1»S.  and  (."oii'.s.  Auk.  IS!>7.  p.  •,'!.').) 

C  piisstM'l'na  torrcs'trls.  {^\ji\\.  paaseriint,  sparrow-like;  from  the  pyguiy  stature;  l.at.  /<v- 
irstris,  terrt>strial.  of  the  ground;  icrra,  the  earth,  land.  Fig.  -ISo.)  (.Jkoinu  Dovi'..  Adult 
(jf:  (.»rayish-oliv(>.  glosst>d  with  blue  on  hind  liead  and  neeU.  most  feathers  of  fon>-parts  with 
darker  ediii>s.  those  of  breast  with  dusky  I'entrt-s.  Foreliead.  sides  of  head  and  ueek,  lesst>r 
wiug-eoverts  and  under  parts  purplish-red  of  variable  iniiMisity.  pal(M-  or  grayish  on  belly  and 
crissuiu;  vnider  snrfaee  of  wings  orange-brown  or  ehestnui.  this  eolor  snlfiisiug  quills  to  a  great 
oxtent;  upper  surface  of  wings  sprinkled  with  lustrous  steel-blu(>  spots.  Middle  tail-feathers 
like  baek.  others  plumbeous,  blaekeniug  toward  ends,  with  pal(>r  tips.  Feet  yellow;  bill  y(>l- 
low  with  dark  tip.  Pimiiuitive  :  length  t;..')()-7.(K) ;  extent  10.00-11.00;  wing  l{..")0,  with  inner 
seeoudari<'s  mvuly  as  long  as  primarit>s  ;  tail  "J.?."),  rounded:  bill  0  1."):  tarsus  O.tw  ;  middle  too 
and  elaw  0.7.">.  9  and  young  ditfer  as  those  o{  thi>  Wild  Pigeon  and  Carolina  l>ove  do,  tho 
jnu'plish  tints  being  re|)lae(Hl  by  gray  or  "ashes  of  roses,"  the  very  young  bird  having  wliitish 
skirtiuii'  of  the  feathers.  South  .\tlantie  and  Ciulf  States,  breeding  from  S.  Carolina  to  TiOU- 
isiana.  ehietly  coastwise;  N.  accidentally  to  Washington,  D.  C.,  and  Now  York;  also  West 
Indies  and  north(>rn  South  America  :  commo\i  on  its  V .  S.  range.  Xost  on  tho  ground  or 
in  bushes  iiuiilf.-rently ;  eg^s  '-.  white.  0.S7  ,\  0  t)-"?.  mostly  laid  March  to  ,)nne,  in  sonu'  cases 
through  the  summer  and  early  autumn.  {Cli(iiiii(iH-li(i  ixinscrinn  of  all  foruuM'ods.  of  the  Key.) 
V.  p.  pallosooiis.  (Lat.  pdllcuct'ns,  bleaching.')  Mi'.XUWN  Gkouno  Povk.  Scarcely  dilferent; 
described  as  palor.  Cajio  St.  Lucas,  1>.VHU>,  1S,")!> ;  range  since  extended  to  iiududo  tho  M(>xi- 
can  border  of  tht>  U.  S.  from  Lower  California  to  Texas,  and  S.  coastwise  in  Mexico  to  Central 
America.  This  form,  which  1  have  kept  in  all  (>ditions  of  the  Key,  I87xJ-l)5.  was  ignored  by 
mo.st  writers  for  many  years,  but  has  lately  been  recogniz»>d  as  l\iliii)ihi(jaUi)ia  ]Hisst'ri)ia  pal- 
lmrn!i :  A.  0.  V.  List.',M  ed.  ISD."),  No.  :V20  a  :  see  Key,  -1th  o.l.  ISDO.  p.  WA. 
SC.\K1>.\KK1V1..\..  (Italian,  signalizing  tho  scaly  appearance  of  the  feathers,  duo  to  their 
color.)  Siii'.i.l,  Dovi's.  Tail  of  pin-uliar  shape,  double-rounded,  median  and  lateral  feathers 
both  shorter  than  intermediate  ones;  all  narrow  and  tapering- :  i'J  in  number.  Wings  as  in 
Coliti>ihi(iiiUiii(t.  TmU  very  slender,  rather  long,  black.  Fet>t  not  typically  zenaidine:  tarsus 
very  short,  slightly  feathered  above.  Xo  blue-black  spots  on  head  or  wings;  no  iridesconco 
on  nock.  Size  very  small.  Sexes  similar.  Uemarkable  genus,  of  0  tropical  American  si>o- 
oios,  one  reaching  our  border. 

iS,  ill  ei».  t^Inca  or  i/ucas,  a  IVruvian  title.)  Inca  Dove.  Sc.\lki>  Dove.  Adult  ^  ^  : 
Above,  iiravisb-brown  with  the  usual  olive  shade,  anteriorly  also  with  a  slight  "  aslu^s  of 
roses"  hue;  below,  pale  ashydilac.  changin<;-  to  i>chracei)us  on  belly  and  crissum  —  nearly  all 
tho  plumage  marked  with  black  crescentic  edges  of  the  feathers,  producing  tho  shelly  or  scaly 
a[ipearance,  which  becomes  indistinct  on  tho  breast.  Primaries  and  their  coverts  chestnut, 
with  blackish  ends;  lining  of  wings  black  and  chestnut ;  outer  secondaries  blackish  with  chest- 
nut central  areas,  gradually  din>inishing  till  tho  inner  secondaries  assimilate  with  color  of  back. 
Middle  tail-featbors  like  back:  ;?  lateral  ones  basally  plumbeous,  then  black,  thou  broadly 
tipped  with  white  —  tho  black  rui\ning  out  into  tho  white  as  u  sh.ift-line.  Iris  reddish  :  foot 
pale  pink.  Young  similar,  but  with  little  or  uo  ashy-rosy,  and  sprinkled  with  white  on  upper 
parts.      Lent;th  ;ibont  S.OO  ;   wiusi'  o.7.">  :   tail  more:   bill  0.  l."> :  tarsus  O.TiO  ;   middle  toe  and 


COIJ'MI'.IhA-:       ZENAlhlS/i:-.    ClUXJNh    DOVIIS. 


717 


cIjivv  0.H7.     A   v<iy  pnMly  liltl*'  I)<.vr,  vvilli  ifi;tli<.!/;itiy  wirigM  U[»liolMf.<;rwl  in  M}i<-ll-fiK"irwl  axlwH- 
of-roncH  velvet,;   a  eurioijH  rriitii;it  mm-  '.f  iIm-  r;iiolwi,i   ho-.i-  in  r.,Mii.      f !  n,.t<  rn.il.i  :iiirl  Mexifjo  to 


'i  exaM,  New  Mexieo,  Arizriiia,  aii<l  Lower  ( '.iliti-i  lii.i,  in  tlic  L,  S.  rlii.  lly  aluhi;  li.i  l<(,r(ler, 
whoro  (;oiriiiiori  in  Horiie  |tia(:eH,  Imt  irremilarly  <li)*tril»iite<l,  breeding  May-SeptetuWr.  Next 
in  hiiHfieH,  fairly  well  built  ;   eg««  2,  wliite,  O.fM)  /  0.70  to  O.H.'i  /  O.O.'i. 


718 


SYSTEMA TIC  SYNOPSFS.  —  COLUMB^— PERISTER^. 


GEOTRY'GON.  (Gr.  yea,  gea,  the  earth;  rpvyav,  trugon,  a  cooer.)  Lustre  Doves.  Tail 
about  as  long  as  wings,  little  rounded,  of  12  broad  rounded  feathers,  with  curved  shafts. 
Wings  short,  rounded ;  3d  and  4th  quills  longest,  2d  and  4th  little  shorter,  1st  much  shorter. 
Feet  strongly  zenaidine  ;  tarsus  not  shorter  than  middle  toe  and  clavA^ ;  still,  scutellate  in  front, 
and  hind  toe  more  than  half  as  long  as  the  middle,  jjerfectly  insistent.  Bill  rather  long  and 
stout;  frontal  feathers  obtuse  on  culmen.  Head  and  wings  without  blue-black  spots;  whole 
upper  parts  highly  lustrous.  Medium  size ;  form  stocky,  somewhat  quail-like,  but  tail  long. 
Sexes  similar.  Approaching  Starnoenas,  but  at  a  distance.  West  Indian  and  Tropical 
American. 

G.  chry'sia.  (Gr.  ;^pvcrioi',  chrusion,  a  piece  of  gold.)  Key  West  Dove.  Bridled  Dove. 
Adult  (^  9  •  Above,  vinaceous-red  with  highly  iridescent  lustre  of  various  tints,  amethystine  on 
the  back,  but  greenish  on  the  nape;  below,  pale  purplish  fading  to  creamy;  Avings  and  tail 
mostly  cinnamon;  a  white  infra-ocular  stripe,  and  below  this  a   dark  malar  stripe,  bill  red; 

feet  pink;  iris  brown.  Length  11.00; 
wing  about  6.00 ;  tail  about  5.00.  Cuba, 
Haiti,  the  Bahamas,  and  Key  West, 
Florida,  where  only  once  observed  of  late 
(Sept.  15,  1889.  See  Scott,  Auk,  Jan. 
1890,  p.  90),  though  seeming  to  have 
been  common  in  Audubon's  time.  Nest- 
ing as  described,  not  peculiar ;  eggs  2, 
pale  buff,  1.25  X  0.95,  laid  Feb.-July 
(in  Cuba).  G.  martinica  of  former  edi- 
tions of  the  Key,  as  of  most  authors  ;  A. 
0.  U.  Check  List,  1st  ed.  1886,  No.  [322.] ; 
but  the  bird  which  visits  Cuba  proves  to 
be  the  somewhat  different  G.  clirysia  Bp. 
Consp.  ii,  1854,  p.  72 ;  Salvad.  Cat.  B. 
Brit.  Mus.  xxi,  1893,  p.  571  ;  A.  0.  U. 
Suppl.  List,  Auk,  Jan.  1897,  p.  126, 
No.  [322.]. 

G.  inouta'ua.  (Lat. ,  inhabiting  moun- 
tains.) Buddy  Dove.  Mountain 
Dove.  Adult  $  9  '■  Closely  resembling 
G.  clirysia  (and  G.  martinica)  ;  less  bril- 
liantly amethystine,  and  of  nearly  or 
quite  uniform  tint  over  all  tlie  upper  ])arts,  wliich  may  be  called  purplish-rufous ;  under  parts 
similar,  n(»t  paling  to  creamy  or  white  on  the  throat  and  vent,  but  to  tawny  buff;  no  white 
infra-ocular  bar,  but  two  poorly  defined  dark  stripes  on  each  side  of  the  throat  and  head.  Young 
dark  brown  with  an  olive  cast  above,  and  usually  some  rusty  markings,  more  rufous  and  buffy 
on  the  lower  parts ;  quills  more  extensively  dusky  than  in  the  adults.  Smaller  than  clirysia 
and  martinica:  wing  under  6.00;  tail  under  4.00.  Eggs  1.10  X  0.85,  rounded  oval,  pale 
creamy  or  salmon  buff.  A  long  and  well-kuown  inhabitant  of  tropical  and  subtropical  America, 
including  the  West  Indies,  N.  to  E.  Mexico  and  Cuba,  taken  at  Key  West,  Florida,  Dec.  8, 
1888  :  see  Scott,  Auk,  April,  1889,  p.  160,  and  July,  1889,  p.  246.  Columha  montana, 
Linn.  1758;  Geotrygon  Montana,  Bp.  Consp.  Av.  II,  1854,  p.  72;  COUES,  Key,  4th  ed. 
1890,  p.  904;  A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  [322.  1.]. 


Fig.  48G.  —  Blue-headed  Quail  D^ 


IJrehm.) 


GALLIN.E:    GALLINACEOUS  BIRDS.  719 


Subfamily  STARNCENADIN/E :   Quail    Doves. 

See  p.  709.  Hallux  not  porft'ctly  iusistout ;  short,  only  about  \  as  long  as  middle  toe  and 
claw.  Feet  large  and  stout ;  tarsus  longer  than  middle  toe,  entirely  bare  of  feathers  even  on 
the  joint,  completely  covered  with  small  hexagonal  scales.  With  cueca,  but  without  oil-gland 
or  ambiens  muscle,  the  reverse  of  Zenaidince,  of  wliich  it  is  a  remarkable  outlying  form,  grad- 
ing toward  gallinaceous  birds  in  structure  and  habits  ;  like  some  Partridges,  even  to  the  special 
head-markings.  Including  one  isolated  American  genus  and  species,  not  referable  to  any 
established  Old  World  group. 

STARXCE'XAS.  {Starna,  name  of  a  genus  of  partridges  ;  Gr.  olvds,  rmas,  a  dove.)  Quail 
Doves.  In  addition  to  the  foregoing:  Bill  short,  stout;  frontal  feathers  projected  in  a  point 
on  culmen.  Wings  short,  broad,  vaulted  and  much  rounded ;  1st  primary  reduced.  Tail 
short,  broad,  nearly  even.  Size  medium ;  whole  form  and  appearance  quail-like.  West 
Indian. 

S.  oyanoce'phala.  (Gr.  Kvauos,  Jcxanos,  blue;  KfcfyaXrj,  kephale,  head.  Fig.  486.)  Blue- 
headed  Quail  Dove.  Crown  ricli  blue  bounded  by  black  ;  a  white  stripe  under  eye,  meeting 
its  fellow  on  chin ;  throat  black,  bordered  with  white.  General  color  olivaceous-chocolate 
above,  purplish-red  below,  lighter  centrally.  Length  11.00;  wing  5.50 ;  tail  4.50.  Cuba; 
Florida  Keys,  rare  or  casual,  and  not  observed  there  of  late  years  ;  apparently  also  decreasing 
in  Cuba.     Nest  in  bushes,  April  and  May ;  eggs  2,  white  or  bufl'y,  1.40  X  1-05. 


Order  GALLING :  Gallinaceous  Birds ;   Fowls. 

Equivalent  to  the  old  order  Rasores,  exclusive  of  Pigeons  —  this  name  being  derived  from 
the  characteristic  habit  of  scratching  the  ground  in  search  of  food  ;  connecting  the  lower  ter- 
restrial Pigeons  with  the  higher  members  of  the  great  Plover-Snipe  group.  On  the  one  hand, 
it  .shades  into  the  Columhce  so  perfectly  that  Huxley  has  projio-sed  to  call  the  two  together  the 
"  Gallo-colnmbine  series  ;"  on  the  other  hand,  some  of  its  genera  show  a  strong  plover-ward 
tendency,  and  have  even  been  placed  in  Limicolee.  I  have  already  (p.  70G)  noted  the  inoscu- 
lation of  Gallina;  with  Columhce  by  means  of  the  grouse-like  Pigeons,  Pierocletes  ;  it  remains 
to  indicate  the  limits  of  Gallince  in  other  directions,  by  referring  to  two  remarkable  groups,  one 
represented  by  Opisthocomus  alone,  the  other  consisting  of  Hemipods  or  Turnices.  Both  of 
tliese  have  usually  been  wrongly  referred  to  Gallina;. 

1.  The  wonderful  Hoatzin  of  Guiana,  Ojnsthocomus  cristatus,  is  one  of  the  most  isolated 
and  ])uzzling  forms  in  ornithology,  sometimes  placed  near  MHSophcujida',  but  assigned  by 
maturer  judgment  to  the  neighborhood  of  the  fowls,  which  it  resembles  in  many  respects,  as  an 
independent  order  Opisthocomi,  sole  relict  of  an  ancestral  type.  The  sternum  and  shoulder- 
girdle  are  anomalous  ;  the  keel  is  cut  away  in  front;  tiie  furcula  anchylose  with  the  coracoids 
(very  rare)  and  with  the  manubrium  of  the  sternum  (unique);  the  digestive  system  is  scarcely 
less  singular;  the  clawed  digits  persi,st  separate  for  some  time;  and  other  characters  are  re- 
markable. On  the  vvhcde,  this  bird  suggests  the  Jurassic  Ardueopteri/x,  and  some  have  hinted 
at  a  primary  division  of  living  Aves  for  its  sole  accommodation. 

2.  The  Bush-quails  or  Button-quails  of  the  Old  World,  Titrnieidcr,  differ  widely  from 
G(dlinfr,  resembling  Grouse-pigeons  and  Tinamous  in  some  respects,  and  related  to  Plovers  in 
others.  A  singular  cliaracter  is  a  lack  of  the  exten.sive  vertebral  anchyloses  usual  in  birds,  all 
the  vertebrae  remaining  distinct.  Tlie  palatal  structure  is  curiously  like  that  of  Passeies 
(a^githognathous).  The  crop  is  said  to  be  wanting  in  some  ;  as  is  also  the  hind  toe  (except  in 
Prdloiiomus),  and  one  carotid.     Tiic  nature  is  ptilopa^dic  ami  prajcocial  ;  eggs  J3-5,  spotted. 


720         SYSTEMA TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  GALLING  — PERISTEROPODES. 

There  are  some  20  species  of  the  wide-ranging  principal  genus,  Tiirnix,  and  the  single  Austra- 
lian Pedionomus  torquatus.  The  singular  Ortyxelus  meiffreni  is  ranged  here  by  some  authors, 
by  others  referred  to  the  Limicolce.  Late  studies  of  the  group  have  resulted  in  the  view  that  it 
should  represent  a  distinct  order,  Hemipodii  or  Turnices. 

Elimination  of  these  non-conformable  elements  renders  the  Gallince  susceptible  of  much 
better  definition,  as  follows  :  — 

Bill  generally  short,  stout,  convex,  with  obtuse  vaulted  tip,  not  constricted  in  continuity, 
wholly  hard  and  corneous  except  in  the  nasal  fossa.  Toinia  of  upper  mandible  overlapping 
lower  ;  culmen  high  on  forehead,  the  frontal  feathers  there  forming  a  re-entrance,  with  more 
or  less  salience  on  both  sides.  Nostrils  scaled  or  feathered,  in  a  short  abrupt  fossa.  Legs 
usually  feathered  to  suffrago,  often  to  toes,  sometimes  to  claws.  Hallux  never  absent,  elevated 
(except  in  Cracidce  and  Megapodidce),  normally  shorter  tlian  anterior  toes.  Tarsus  generally 
broadly  scutellate,  when  \wi  feathered.  Front  toes  commonly  webbed  at  base.  Claws  blunt, 
little  curved.  Wings  short,  strong,  vaulted.  Kectrices  commonly  more  than  12  (not  moi'e  in 
Cracidce).  Head  and  brain  small  in  proportion  to  body,  as  in  Pigeons.  Plumage  with  after- 
shafts.  Wings  quintocubital.  Oil-gland  tufted,  nude,  or  absent.  Carotids  two  (except  in 
Megapodidce).  No  intrinsic  syringeal  muscles  as  a  rule.  Sternum  generally  deeply  doubly- 
notched,  external  xiphoid  process  flaring  out  over  the  ribs,  its  end  expanded  ;  furculum  witli  a 
hypoeleidium.  Palate  schizognathous.  Nasal  bones  holorhinal.  True  basipterygoid  proc- 
esses absent,  but  represented  by  sessile  facets  situated  fiir  forward  on  the  basisphenoidal  ros- 
trum. Angle  of  mandible  produced  into  a  recurved  process.  Cervical  vertebrae  16.  Pectoral 
muscles  3  ;  the  2d  extensive  :  fetnorocaudal  variable  ;  accessory  femorocaudal,  semitendinosus, 
accessory  semitendinosus,  ambiens  and  expansor  of  the  secondaries  present.  Feet  desmopelmous 
in  the  usual  way.  Intestinal  coeca  extensive ;  gizzard  muscular  ;  crop  large ;  gall  bladder 
present.  Nature  prsecocial  and  ptilopsedic,  typically  polygamous ;  eggs  numerous.  Chiefly 
terrestrial. 

The  order  thus  defined  is  equivalent  to  Alectoromorphce  of  Huxley  (1867),  minus  Ptero- 
cletes  and  Hemipodii.  The  birds  composing  it  fall  into  two  series  or  suborders,  according  to 
structure  of  feet  and  more  essential  characters. 


Suborder  PERISTEROPODES  :   Pigeon-toed  Fowls. 
(Suborder  Penelopes,  A.  0.  U.) 

Framed  to  accommodate  Old  World  Megapodidce,  or  Mound-birds,  and  American  Cracidce^ 
or  Curassows. 

The  Mound-birds,  Megapodidce,  as  the  name  implies,  have  large  feet,  with  lirtle-curved 
claws,  and  lengthened  insistent  hallux.  They  share  this  last  feature  with  Cracidce  (beyond)  ; 
and  the  osseous  structure  of  these  two  families,  except  as  regards  pneumaticity,  is  strikingly 
similar.  Both  show  a  modification  of  the  sternum,  tlie  inner  erne  of  the  two  notches  being  less 
instead  of  more  than  lialf  as  deep  as  the  sternum  is  long,  as  in  typical  Gallince.  The  oil-gland 
is  nude  (tufted  in  Cracidce).  The  wing  is  aquintocubital  (contrary  to  the  rule  in  Gcdlincc). 
Megapods  do  not  incubate,  but  bury  their  eggs  in  the  ground  ;  the  young  pass  through  the 
downy  stage  in  the  egg,  hatching  with  true  feathers  and  able  to  fly  almost  immediately 
(p.  2.32).  They  are  confined  to  Australia,  Oceania,  and  the  East  Indies ;  Megapodius  is  the 
principal  genus,  of  12  or  more  species  ;  others  are  Leipoa  ocellata  of  Australia  ;  Tcdegcdlus 
cuvieri  and  other  Papuan  species  ;  Catlieturus  lathami  of  Australia  ;  the  Papuan  J^jji/podim 
bruijni  and  ^.  arfakianus ;  with  MegacejjJialon  mcdeo,  the  mallee-bird  of  Celebes. 


CRACIDjE  —  PENELOPIN.E:    GUANS.  721 

Family   CRACID^:    Curassows,    Guans,   etc. 

This  type  is  peculiar  to  America,  where  it  may  be  considered  to  represent  Megapodidce, 
though  differing  so  much  in  habit  and  general  appearance.  The  affinities  of  the  two  have  been 
indicated,  and  some  essential  characters  noted  ;  they  are  contrasted  by  Beddard  in  the  char- 
acters of  the  shorter  hind  toe,  tufted  dil-gland,  two  carotids,  generally  coiled  trachea  and 
absence  of  biceps  slip,  in  Cracidce.  According  to  latest  authorities  on  the  family,  it  is  divisible 
into  three  subfamilies:  Craeina;,  Curassows  and  Hoccos,  with  4  genera,  Crax,  Nothocrax, 
Mitua,  and  Pauxis,  whereof  the  first  named  has  10  species,  the  second  one,  the  third  three, 
and  the  fourth  one,  or  15  altogether;  Oreophasince,  with  a  single  genus  and  species,  Oreophasis 
derbianus,  and  the 

Subfamily  PENELOPIN/E  :  Cuans, 
with  6  or  7  genera  and  many  species,  one  of  wliich  reaches  our  border.  None  of  the  Penelo- 
pime  are  helmeted,  or  have  other  hard  outgrowths  or  curly  feiithers  on  the  head,  but  they  are 
mostly  wattled,  with  more  or  less  of  the  throat  bare  ;  in  all,  the  inner  web  of  the  1st  primary  is 
more  or  less  emarginate.  Extralimitul  genera  are  Penelope,  Penelopina,  Pipile,  Ahurria,  and 
Chanucpctes. 

OU'TALIS.  (Gr.  opraXis,  ortalis,  a  pullet.)  GuANS.  Head  crested;  its  sides,  and  strips 
on  chin,  naked,  but  no  median  wattle.  Tarsi  naked,  scutellate  before  and  behind,  with  small 
scales  between  the  scutellar  rows.  Hind  toe  insistent,  about  ^  the  middle  toe.  Tail  o-radu- 
ated,  ample,  fan-shaped,  longer  than  the  much  rounded  wings,  of  12  broad,  obtuse  feathers. 
Wings  short,  concavo-conve.^,  with  abbreviated  outer  primaries  ;  .secondaries  reaching  about 
to  ends  of  longest  primaries  when  the  wing  is  folded.  Bill  slender  for  a  gallinaceous  bird, 
without  decided  frontal  antiae.  Coloration  greenisli.  Sexes  alike.  In  some  points  of  size, 
shape,  and  general  aspect,  there. is  a  curious  superficial  resemblance  between  this  genus  and 
Geococci/x,  though  the  two  genera  belong  to  different  orders  of  birds. 

O.  ve'tula  inacoal'li.  (Lat.  vetula,  a  little  old  woman.  To  Geo.  A.  McCall.)  Tf..\.\.n 
GuAN.  CllACHALACA.  Dark  glossy  olivaceous,  paler  and  tinged  with  brownish-yellow  be- 
low, plumbeous  on  head  ;  tail  lustrous  green,  tipped  witli  grayi,sli-white  except  on  middle  pair 
(if  feathers;  bill  and  feet  plumbeous;  iris  brown.  Length  22.00-24.00  ;  extent  24.00-28.00  ; 
wing  7.50-9.00  ;  tail  9.00-11.00 ;  tarsus  2.00  or  more  ;  middle  toe  and  claw  about  the  same. 
9  similar.  Downy  young  :  Above,  mixed  brown,  ashy  and  tawny,  with  a  black  central  stripe 
from  l)ill  to  tail  ;  below  white,  ashy  on  jugulum.  Mexico  to  Texas  in  the  Lower  Kio  Grande 
Valley,  abounding  in  some  localities.  A  notable  bird,  unlike  anything  else  in  this  country. 
Easily  domesticated,  said  to  be  used  as  a  game  fowl.  Very  noisy  in  the  breeding  season, 
April-June,  reiterating  the  syllables  cha-cha-lac  in  a  loud  hoarse  tone.  Nest  in  bushes,  a 
slight  structuie  ;  eggs  3-4,  rarely  5,  with  a  thick,  granular,  and  very  hard  shell,  like  a  Guinea 
Fowl's,  obl(jng-oval,  buff-colored  or  creamy-wliite,  large  for  the  bird,  averaging  2.85  X  l.(>5. 

Suborder  ALECTOROPODES  :   True  Fowls. 

{Suborder  Piiasiani,  A.  0.  U.) 

Tlie  birds  of  this  suborder  are  more  or  less  perfectly  terrestrial;  legs  of  mean  length,  and 
stout ;  toes  4,  3  in  front,  generally  ccmuccted  by  basal  webbing  but  sometimes  free,  and  one 
behind,  alw;iys  short  and  elevated.  Tibife  rarely  naked  below;  tarsi  often  featliered,  as  the 
toes  also  sometimes  are  ;  but  ordinarily  both  these  are  naked,  scutellate  and  reticulate,  ami 
often  deveh)ping  processes  (spurs)  of  horny  substance  with  a  bony  core,  like  liorns  of  cattle. 
Bill  as  a  rule  short,  stout,  convex,  obtu.se;  never  cered,  nor  extensively  membranous;  the  base 
(if  culmcn  jiarts  prominent  antiae,  which  frequently  fill  the  na.sal  foss«> ;  when  naked  the  nos- 
tiils  siiow  a  superincumbent  .scale.     The  head  is  frequently  naked,  wholly  or  partly,  and  often 


722         SYSTEMATIC  SYNOPSIS.  — GALLIN.E  —  ALECTOROPODES. 

develops  remarkable  fleshy  processes.  Tlie  quintociibital  wings  are  short,  stout,  and  concavo- 
convex,  conferring  power  of  rapid,  whirring,  but  unprotracted  tlight.  The  tail  varies  ex- 
tremely ;  it  is  very  small  in  some  genera,  enormously  developed  in  others ;  the  rectrices  vary 
in  number,  but  are  commonly  more  than  12.  The  sternum  sliows  a  peculiar  conformation  ; 
the  posterior  notches  seen  in  most  birds  are  inordinately  enlarged,  so  that  the  bone,  viewed 
vertically,  seems  in  most  of  its  extent  to  be  simply  a  narrow  central  projection  or  keel,  the 
lophosteon,  with  two  long  processes  on  each  side,  the  inner  one  of  which  is  simply  directed 
backward,  but  the  other  is  flaring  and  hammer-shaped.  There  are  other  distinctive  osteologi- 
cal  characters,  as  already  noted.  The  digestive  system  presents  an  ample  special  crop,  a  highly 
muscular  gizzard,  and  large  coeca.  The  inferior  larynx  is  always  devoid  of  intrinsic  muscles  ; 
the  structure  of  the  trachea  varies  with  the  genera,  presenting  some  curious  modifications. 
Tliere  are  after-shafts,  and  a  circlet  around  the  oil-gland.  Alectoropodes  are  praecocial  and 
ptiioptedic.  A  part  of  them  are  polygamous  —  a  circumstance  shown  in  its  perfection  by  the 
sultan  of  the  dung-hill  with  his  disciplined  harem;  and  in  all  such,  the  sexes  are  conspicuously 
dissimilar.  The  rest  are  monogamous,  and  the  sexes  of  these  are  as  a  rule  nearly  or  quite 
alike.  The  eggs  are  very  numerous,  usually  laid  on  the  ground,  in  a  rude  nest,  or  none.  The 
suborder  is  cosmopolitan;  but  most  of  its  groups  have  a  special  geographical  distribution.  Its 
great  economic  importance  is  perceived  in  all  forms  of  domestic  poultry,  and  principal  game- 
birds  of  various  countries  ;  and  it  is  unsurpassed  in  beauty  —  some  of  these  birds  offer  the  most 
gorgeous  coloring  of  the  class. 

Genetically,  Fowls  are  nearer  than  most  birds  to  a  generalized,  old-fashioned  type.  They 
have  relations  in  the  curiously  ostrich-like  Tinamous  of  South  America  {Tinamidcc  or  Cryp- 
turi),  the  Hoatzin  (Opisthoco)ims),  and  other  antique  relicts.  Notice  a  (juarter-grown  Turkey 
with  tliis  idea  in  mind,  and  you  will  hardly  fail  to  see  that  it  looks  like  an  Ostrich  in 
miniature. 

Leading  types  of  existing  Alectoropod  GallincE  are  :  (1)  tlie  Quail  or  Partridge;  (2)  the 
Grouse  ;  (3)  the  Domestic  Cock  ;  (4)  the  Turkey  ;  (5)  the  Guinea  Fowl ;  respectively  tlie 
bases  of  the  families  (1)  Perdicidce,  (2)  Tetraonidce^  (3)  Phasianidcs,  (4)  Mcleagrididcie,  (5) 
NunndidfC.  Quail  or  Partridges,  and  Grouse,  are  indigenous  to  both  hemispheres;  the 
Pheasant  family  is  confined  to  the  Old  World,  but  some  species  have  been  introduced  and 
naturalized  in  the  United  States  ;  Turkeys  are  peculiar  to  America.  Guinea  Fowl  or  Pintados 
are  an  African  and  Madagascarian  family,  of  which  one  species,  Numida  meleagris,  is  com- 
monly seen  in  domestication.  There  are  6  species  of  this  genus,  in  some  of  which  the  trachea 
is  convoluted  in  an  appendage  of  the  furculum  ;  the  frontal  bone  develops  a  process  to  support 
a  fleshy  process  on  the  head,  which  is  naked,  wrinkled,  and  bristly  ;  the  very  short  tail  has  36 
feathers,  and  is  carried  downward  ;  there  are  wattles,  but  no  spurs.  Gnttera  is  the  genus  of 
crested  Pintados,  spurless,  with  16  rectrices ;  there  are  4  species,  as  G.  cristata.  Phasidus 
niger  is  the  Black  Guinea  Fowl,  with  14  rectrices,  the  ^  with  blunt  spurs.  Agelastes  melea- 
grides  has  also  spurs  and  14  rectrices.  In  the  remarkable  Acryllium  vulturinus  the  tarsi  of 
the  ^  bear  several  knobs,  the  long  cuneate  tail  has  16  rectrices,  and  the  feathers  of  the  neck 
resemble  the  hackles  of  the  Domestic  Cock.  The  Pintado  family  is  chai'acterized  by  a  pecul- 
iarity of  the  principal  metacarpal  bone,  which  has  no  backward  process,  and  by  the  outward 
Inclination  of  the  costal  processes  ;  it  is  thought  by  some  to  furnish  a  link  between  Peristero- 
podes  and  Alectoropodes.     The  oiher  four  families  are  fully  treated  beyond. 

Family  PHASIANID^:    Pheasants,   etc. 

The  most  magnificent  fiimily  of  typical  Gallintc,  of  wliich  the  Domestic  Cock  is  a  charac- 
teristic example.  The  tarsi  and  toes,  the  nasal  fossae,  and  usually  some  of  the  head,  if  not  the 
whole,  are  naked,  and  often  furnished  with  fleshy  outgrowths,  as  combs,  wattles,  horns,  ear- 


PIIA  SI  A  N1D.E  —  PIIA  SI  A  NINjE  :   PIIEA  SA  NTS.  7  23 

lappets,  dewlaps,  etc.  ;  some  of  these  caruncular  formations  are  of  fixed  size  and  shape;  others 
are  of  a  soft  erectile  tissue,  which  varies  in  dimensions  with  sexual  excitement;  in  some  cases 
there  is  a  special  bony  support  of  such  protuberance.  The  head  is  often  crested  with  feathers 
of  ordinary  character,  or  again  of  special  shape  or  texture.  The  tarsi  commonly  develop  spurs, 
especially  in  the  $,  sometimes  also  in  the  9;  these  spurs  are  as  a  rule  one  on  each  foot,  but 
may  be  two,  three,  or  more.  The  feet  are  never  feathered  below  the  suflfraco,  ex('ei)tiiig  in 
some  artificial  varieties  of  the  Domestic  Cock.  The  claws  are  always  fairly  developed  (that 
of  the  hallux  is  sometimes  rudimentary  or  defective  in  Perdicidcc),  and  the  most  characteri.stic 
lial)it  of  these  birds,  as  of  other  Gallincc,  is  to  scratch  the  ground  for  food ;  they  are  thus 
rasorial.  The  general  plumage,  though  so  often  extremely  brilliant,  is  rather  dry  and  hard  ; 
the  birds  do  not  wasli  in  water,  but  take  sand-baths;  whence  Pulveratores  as  a  name  of  th(.-ir 
order.  The  wings  are  of  moderately  variable  sliape,  only  presenting  an  extraordinary  figure 
in  tlic  Argus  Pheasants,  whicli  have  the  secondaries  enormously  elongated.  Excepting  in  the 
genus  Phaminns  itself,  the  1st  primary  is  short  —  shorter  than  the  10th  ;  and  this  seemingly 
trivial  character  is  pi'obably  the  most  satisfactory  one  that  can  be  found  to  separate  the  Fhasi- 
armhe  as  a  family  from  the  Perdictdce  (see  beyond  under  bead  of  the  latter  family).  The  most 
variable  member  in  Phasianidce  is  the  tail,  which,  taken  either  with  or  without  its  cctverts, 
lias  an  extraordinary  development  in  many  of  the  genera.  Thus,  in  the  Peaccjck,  Paro  cris- 
tatiis,  the  tail-coverts  firm  a  superb  train,  capable  of  being  erected  and  spread  into  a  disc,  the 
most  gorgeous  object  in  ornithology  ;  in  the  Argus  Pheasants  the  middle  rectrices  are  ex- 
tremely elongate;  in  the  Reeves'  Pheasant  the  length  of  the  tail  is  very  great.  The  com- 
pressed or  folded  tail  of  domestic  poultry  is  familiar,  yet  it  is  a  rare  formation,  except  in  the 
present  family.  The  number  of  rectrices  is  more  variable  than  in  any  other  family  of  birds, 
and  even  difiers  in  ojtposite  sexes  of  some  species.  These  feathers  run  from  12  to  20  in  most 
genera,  but  there  are  only  10  in  Ophnjsia  (if  really  belonging  here),  while  in  Lobiophasift  there 
are  28  9~'^~  S-  ^"  general  the  P/uisianid(e  are  polygamous  ;  the  outward  marks  of  sex  are 
strong,  as  a  rule,  the  female  lacking  any  extraordinary  development  of  plumage,  the  spurs, 
etc.  ;  but  in  some  cases  the  sexes  are  (piite  similar. 

Phusiunidce  belong  exclusively  to  the  Old  World,  and  are  specially  numerous  and  diversi- 
fied in  Asia;  the  number  of  si)ecies  now  known  is  nearly  lOU,  usually  referred  to  about  45 
genera. 

Subfamily  PHASIANIN/E:   Pheasants, 

including  the  Pea-fowl,  the  Domestic  Cock,  and  all  tlie  birds  to  which  the  name  Pheasant  is 
pro]ierly  applicable.  It  is  only  of  late  years  that  the  richness  ot  this  group  has  been  devel- 
()ped  by  the  discovery  of  strange  types  in  the  interior  tif  Asia  and  elsewhere.  The  subfamily 
has  not  hitherto  figured  in  the  Key;  but  more  than  one  species  of  Phnsiauuft  has  of  late  been 
introduced  and  naturalized  in  the  United  States;  and  in  giving  tliis  genus  :i  place  I  may  note 
some  of  the  leading  types  of  the  subfamily.  At  the  head  of  the  series,  at  least  io  size  and 
sliowiness,  stands  the  Peacock,  Pavo  cristutus,  native  of  India,  now  domesticated  all  over  the 
worhl.  The  true  rectrices  are  only  20,  the  coverts  forming  the  voluminous  train  of  the  ^. 
P.  mnticKs  is  the  only  other  well-established  species  of  I'avu.  Argnsifniits  is  the  genus  of 
Argus  Pheasants  of  two  or  three  .species  from  the  Malay  countries,  etc.,  with  the  inordinately 
long  secondaries  and  middle  tail-feathers  of  the  (J,  and  much  of  the  plumage  eyed.  Jihein- 
hdrdtius  occUatus  of  Toukiu  s!i;ires  the  Innir  tail  of  the  last  named,  but  not  the  exat:i:erated 
.secondaries;  in  both,  the  rcctiiccs  arc  12.  The  several  species  of  I'oh/jilectnm,  vviih-Iy  dis- 
tributed in  the  Orient,  have  two  <ir  three  sjiurs  ou  each  foot  hi  the  <J,  and  ocellat'-d  tail-feathers, 
20-24  in  number;  P.  cliinqnis  und  P.  hiailmrntum  are  examples.  The  genus  (VuilcKnis,  of  one 
Sumatran  species,  is  related  to  these,  but  lacks  ocelli,  Jind  the  tail  is  very  lontr,  as  in  ordinary 
IMieasants.     The  genus  <i,iUii<  in.lnd.s  the  .lungh'-fowl,  tVom   wliich   tlic  familiar  ctn-k  and 


724 


5  YS  TEMA  TIC   S  Y NOP  SIS.  —  GA  LL  IN.E  —  ALEC  TOR  OP  ODES. 


hen  of  the  poultry  yard  have  been  developed  in  all  their  astonishing  variation  under  artificial 
conditions.  Were  these  normal,  they  would  constitute  several  good  genera.  The  teclmical 
generic  characters  are  the  peculiarly  folded  tail  of  14-16  feathers,  the  hackles  of  the  neck  and 
rump,  the  spurs,  wattles,  and  comb.  The  established  wild  species  are  4  :  G.  gallus,  hankiva, 
or  ferrugineus,  G.  lafai/etiei,  G.  sonnerati,  and  G.  varius  ;  they  are  wide  ranging  in  Asia  and 
many  of  its  islands,  and  the  first  named  is  supposed  to  be  the  main  origin  of 
our  poultry.  The  Macartneys  are  several  species  of  the  genus  Lophura,  with 
the  16-feathered  tail  compressed  as  in  Gallus,  a  peculiar  crest,  and  spurs  ; 
the  plumage  is  extremely  brilliant,  as  in  the  fire-backed  Pheasant,  L.  ignita. 
This  is  the  genus  oftener  called  Euplocomus  ;  one  of  its  species,  L.  diardi,  is 
till-  t_\{ic  (if  Diardigallus.  The  Painted  or  Golden  and  Amherstian  Pheas- 
ants, Chrysolophus  pictus  and  C  amherstite,  are  singularly  beau- 
tiful birds,  even  among  their  showy  kind,  having  a  long  vaulted 
tail  of  18  feathers,  and  in  the  ^  a  full  crest,  a  peculiar 
erectile  cape  or  frill  on  the  neck,  and  a  pair  of  spurs ; 
they  are  often  seen  in  confinement,  far  from  their  Tibe- 
tan and  Chinese  homes.  The  Pucras  are  six  or  more 
Asiatic  species  of  the  genus  Pucrasia,  as  P.  macrolopha 
with  long  cuueate  tail  of  10  feathers,  and  in 
the  $  a  long  crest,  besides  peculiar  ear-tufts, 
and  a  pair  of  spurs.  Pucrasia  nipalensis  is 
the  type  of  a  genus  Gallophasis,  and  one  of 
several  species  which  share  with  some  of  the 
members  of  Gennceus  the  name  of  Ka- 
leege  or  Kalij  Pheasant.  The  genus 
■  Genntsus,  usually  called  Nyctliemerus, 
includes  the  Silver  Pheasant  G.  nyctlie- 
merus, mostly  white  above  and  black  be- 
low, with  a  pair  of  spurs,  a  crest, 
and  long  compressed  tail  of  16 
feathers ;  others  are  the  white- 
crested  G.  albocristatus ;  the  Ne- 
paul  Pheasant,  G.  leucomelanns  ; 
Sylhet  Pheasant,  G.  horsfieldi  ; 
Pheasant  related  to  these,  if  not 
The  Cheer  or  Wallich's  Pheasant 
related  to  Phasianus  proper.  In 
is  peculiarly  long  and  loose,  with 
and  full  rounded  tail  of  20-24 
5,  C.  tibetanum,  C.  leiicurum,  C. 
habit  high  mountains,  and  are 
of  all  Pheasants  is  the  lately  dis- 


FiG.  487.  —  English  Pheasant,  PhasUtmis  colchicus. 
(From  Dixon.) 


the  Chittygong  Pheasant,  G-  muthura  ;  tlie 
the  Lineated,  G.  lineatus,  etc  A  Formosan 
of  the  same  genus,  is  Hieroj^hasis  swinhoei. 
is  Catreus  wullichi,  of  the  Himalayas,  closely 
the  genus  Crossoptilon  of  interior  Asia  the  plumage 
curly  feathers  on  the  head,  ear-tufts,  a  pair  of  spurs, 
feathers  ;  of  these  Eared  Pheasants  the  species  are 
mantchuricum,  C.  auritum,  and  C.  harmani  ;  all  in- 
called  Snow  Pheasants.  One  of  the  most  remarkable 
covered  Lobiophasis  bidweri  of  Borneo,  the  ^  of  which  has  three  pairs  of  fleshy  lappets  on  the 
head,  a  pair  of  spurs,  and  32  rectrices  —  28  in  the  9  •  I"  the  three  species  of  Acomus,  the  short 
compressed  tail  has  14  rectrices,  and  there  are  spurs  in  both  sexes;  A.  erythrophtludimis  is  IMa- 
layan,  A.  jiyronotus  inhabits  Borneo,  and  A.  inornatus  is  Sumatran.  The  refulgent  Impeyans 
or  Monauls  constitute  the  genus  Loj)liophorus,  with  a  moderate  rounded  tail  of  18  feathers, 
and  a  slender  aigrette  on  the  head,  like  a  Peacock's  ;  such  are  L.  impeyanus  of  Cashmere, 
L.  refulgens  of  the  Himalayas  from  Bhotan  to  Afghanistan,  L.  Vhuysi  of  Szechuen  and  Koko- 
uor,  and  finally  L.  (Chalcophasis)  sclateri  of  Assam.     In  tlie  curious  Satyrs,  constituting  the 


PHASIANIDyE  —  PHASTANIX.E:   PHEASANTS.  725 

genus  Tragopan,  the  ^  has  a  pair  of  fleshy  horns  and  a  large  dewlap ;  the  tail  is  18-feathered. 
These  horned  l*iieasants  inhabit  India,  China,  etc. ;  there  are  5  species,  T.  satyra,  T.  melano- 
cephalus,  T.  temmincJci,  T.  blytJd,  and  'T.  caboti.  In  tlie  Sanguine  or  Blood  Pheasant,  Itha- 
genes  cnientus,  the  plumage  is  varied  with  crimson,  black,  white,  green,  etc.;  the  tail  is  14- 
feathered,  and  the  ^  has  two  or  three  pairs  of  spurs.  This  species  inhabits  Nepaul,  Sikkim, 
Bhotan,  and  Thibet;  the  others  of  the  genus  are  I.  geoffroyi  and  I.  sinensis.  This  rapid 
glance  at  Plmsianince  omits  a  few  forms  on  the  boundary  of  the  subfamily,  where  it  inosculates 
with  tlie  Partridges,  and  is  exclusive  of  the  largest  central  genus,  as  follows:  — 
PHASIA'NUS.  (Gr.  (Paaiavos.  2)h(tsia>ios,  hai.  jihasianus,  a  pheasant,  i.e.  the  Phasian  bird, 
so  called  from  the  Phasis,  a  river  in  Colchis  now  called  the  Rioui.)  PHEASANTS.  Tail  long 
or  very  long,  cuneate,  of  J 8,  seldom  16,  feathers,  of  whicli  the  middle  pair  are  long-cxserted ; 
tail  as  a  whole  straight  or  a  little  drooping,  but  not  completely  folded.  Wings  moderate,  with 
1st  primary  excepticnially  long  in  this  subfamily,  about  equalling  the  8th.  Sides  of  head  more 
or  less  naked  about  the  eyes,  and  with  a  tuft  over  each  ear,  but  no  crest  on  the  crown.  ^ 
single-spurred.  9  smaller  than  ^,  and  much  less  elegantly  attired.  The  largest  genus  of 
Plmsianince,  of  about  iJO  species,  ranging  in  a  state  of  nature  from  southeastern  Europe  across 
Asia  and  in  Formosa.  There  are  several  subgenera  or  sections.  In  P.  ellioti,  type  of  Calophasis, 
tiie  rectrices  are  only  10.  This  species,  in  which  the  plumage  is  in  part  black  and  white,  in- 
liabits  some  portions  of  China.  The  related  P.  humifC,  also  with  16  tail-feathers,  is  found  in 
Burmah.  The  other  species  all  have  18  rectrices.  The  tail  attains  its  maximum  length  in 
P.  recvesi  of  China,  type  of  the  genus  Sgrmaticus ;  in  this  the  total  length  of  the  ^  may  reach 
6^  feet,  of  which  the  tail  may  be  about  5  feet  ;  and  the  plumage  is  extremely  beautiful. 
Scemniering's  Pheasant  (see  below)  is  type  of  Graphophasianiis.  The  remaining  species 
form  a  compact  grotip,  fairly  well  represented  by  the  following  species  iutroiluced  and  to  some 
extent  naturalized  in  our  country  : 

Analysis  of  Species  ((f). 

A  pair  of  occipital  plumicorns.     Neck  burnished  blue.     {Subge/ius  Phasianus.) 

Breast  coppery  chestnut,  with  black  scallops.     No  white  collar colchicus 

A  white  collar torquntus 

Breast  rich  dark  green versicolor 

No  occipital  plinnicorns.     (Subgenus  Graphophasianus.) 

Neck  coppery  chestnut scrmmeringi 

P.  col'chicus.  (Lat.  of  Colcliis.  Fig.  487.)  Common  Pheasant.  English  Piikasant. 
Adult  J  :  Head  and  neck  burnished  blue  with  green,  bronze,  or  purplish  reflections ;  no  white 
collar.  Back  orange-brown,  witli  dark  greenish  scallops  and  otlier  variegation ;  rump  and  upper 
tail-coverts  rufous,  with  black  and  reddish  variegation.  Breast  coppery-chestnut,  with  pur- 
plisli  edgings  of  tlie  feathers,  and  some  greenish  gloss.  Tail  olive-brown,  edged  with  purplish- 
rufous,  and  cros.sed  with  remote  black  bars  of  increasing  width  fn>ni  ba.se  to  tip.  Bare  skin  of 
head  scarlet.  Length  very  variable,  according  to  development  of  the  tail,  but  up  to  3  feet : 
tail  21.00  or  less  ;  wing  10.00.  Adult  9  much  smaller  and  less  richly  colored ;  length  about 
2  feet ;  tail  a  foot ;  wing  8.50.  Native  of  Asia  Minor,  N.  to  the  Volga,  E.  in  southern  Turkey 
to  Greece;  introduced  into  Britain  prior  to  A.u.  10.56,  and  long  perfectly  naturalized  there,  as 
in  various  (tther  European  countries;  the  principal  game  of  English  preserves:  lately  intro- 
duced in  the  Eastern  U.  S.,  but  whether  naturalized  remains  to  be  seen. 

I',  torqua'tus.  (Lat.  having  a  torques,  or  collar  ;  collan'd.)  King  Piikasant.  .Vdult  ^  : 
Closely  resembling  the  last;  a  white  ring  around  the  neck.  Cliin.i,  and  other  Asiatic  countries; 
lately  introduced  in  Oregon,  and  perhaps  naturalized. 

IV  versicolor.  (Lat.  veisicolorus,  many-hiicd  or  of  changeable  coloration.)  (Jukkn  I'iikasant. 
Jai'AN  Piikasant.  Adult  ,$ '■  ^I'"^'^  of  the  under  parts  rich  dark  green;  back  the  sumo, 
glossed  with  pnrpli.sh   and  varied  with  bulT;   top  of  head  bronzy  green  as   in  the  foregoing; 


726 


SYSTEMA TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  GALLIN^E  —  ALECTOROPODES. 


rump  and  upper  tail  coverts  plain  greenish  slate-color  ;  tail  with  hroad  black  bars  throughout. 
Length  about  2-^  feet;  tail  1^;  wing  9.50  inches.      9  smaller;  length  2  feet  or  less;    tail 

under  1  foot ;  wing 
8  00  inches  ;  feathers 
of  back  with  black 
centres  and  usually 
buff  shaft  -  stripes  ; 
those  of  under  parts 
mostly  black -barred. 
Japan;  lately  intro- 
duced and  apparently 
naturalized  in  Ore- 
gon. 

P.  scemmer'ingi. 
(To  the  noted  Ger- 
man anatomist  and 
physiologist,  Samuel 
Thomas  von  SiJm- 
m  e  r  i  n  g,  Jan.  18, 
I755-March2,1830.) 
CoppKR  Pheasant. 
SoMMERiNG  Pheas- 
ant. Adult  $  : 
Above,  including 
^  head  and  neck,  chest- 
nut, shot  with  pur- 
ple and  gold ;  rump 
btreaked  with  white ; 
tail  chestnut,  tipped 
with  black,  the  mid- 
dle feathers  barred 
throughout  with 
darker  chestnut, 
black,  and  light  mot- 
tling, the  three  kinds 
of  marking  in  regu- 
lar series ;  the  chest- 
nut feathers  of  under  parts  with  pale  margins ;  primaries  and  secondaries  blackish,  mottled 
and  margined  irregularly  with  rufous.  Length  3  oi:  4  feet  ;  tail  2^-3  feet ;  wing  9.00  inches. 
Adult  9  :  Much  smaller  ;  length  about  1^  feet ;  wing  and  tail  about  8.50  inches ;  coloration 
lighter  and  more  varied  than  in  the  $  ;  most  of  the  tail-feathers  plain  chestnut  with  subter- 
minal  black  bar  and  white  tip.  A  large  handsome  Pheasant,  the  $  very  long-tailed  and 
short- winged  ;  native  of  some  of  the  Japanese  islands,  lately  introduced  and  apparently  natural- 
ized in  Oregon. 


Fig.  488. —Turkey.     (From  Lewis.) 


Family   MELEAGRIDID^  :   Turkeys. 

Head  and  upper  neck  naked,  carunculate  ;  in  our  species  with  a  dewlap  on  the  tliroat,  and 
erectile  process  on  the  crown.  Tarsi  naked,  scutellate  before  and  behind,  spurred  in  the  $. 
Tail  broad,  rounded,  of  14-18  feathers.     Plumage  compact,  lustrous  ;  in  our  species  with  a 


ME  LEA  GRIDIDuE :    TURKS  VS. 


727 


^^s^ 


tuft  of  hair-like  feathers  hanging  on  the  breast ;  most  of  the  feathers  remarkably  broad  or 
even  truncate.  One  genus,  two  species,  peouliar  to  America.  M.  ocellatus  is  the  very  beau- 
tiful Turkey  of  Central  America,  especially  Yucatan  and  Honduras,  smaller  than  ours,  but 
much  more  richly  iridescent  and  eyed  on  some  of  the  plumage  like  a  Peacock  ;  there  is  no 
bristly  beard  on  the  breast  ;  the  excrescences  on  the  head  are  peculiar;  the  spurs  of  the  ^  are 
long  and  sharp,  like  gaffs.  Its  characters  entitle  it  to  recognitiou  as  a  subgenus  at  least,  if 
not  a  full  genus,  which  may  be  named  Emneleagris. 

MELEA'GRIS.  (Gr.  fxtXtaypls,  Lat.  meleagris,  a  Guinea-fowl;  transferred  in  ornithol- 
ogy to  this  genus.)  Turkeys.  Characters  of  the  family.  Se.ves  similar  in  plumage, 
but  9  less  lustrous,  smaller,  and  spurless.  Nest  on  ground ;  eggs  indefinitely  numerous, 
colored. 

M.  gallopa'vo.  (Lat.  galliis,  a  cock,  pavo,  a  pea-fowl.  Figs.  488,  489.)  The  Turkey. 
Domestic  Turkey.  Mexican  Turkey.  Upper  tail-coverts  chestnut,  with  very  pale  or 
whitish  tips ;  tail-feath- 
ers tipped  with  brown- 
ish-yellow or  whitisl)  ; 
3-4  feet  long,  etc. 
Weight  of  ^  up  to  .30 
Ih.s.  or  more,  tlniugli 
averaging  much  less ; 
9  about  12  lbs.  Wild 
in  western  Texas,  Col- 
orado, New  Mexico,  Ari- 
zona, and  southward  ; 
domesticated  elsewhere. 
Tiie  Mexican  bird  is  the 
original  of  the  domestic 
race;  it  was  upon  this 
form,  imported  into  Eu- 
rope, that  Linnfcus  im- 
posed the  name  yulln- 
2}avo  (Fn.  Suec.  174i'>, 
p.  J98;  Syst.  Nat.  i, 
1758,  J).  1.56;  17G6,  j). 
2ti8),  which  has  gener- 
ally been  applied  to  the 
ordinary  feral  form.  It 
is  hard,  therefore,  tn 
understand  why  orui- 
tliologists  so  long  per- 
sisted    in    perpetuating 

ji  1]  f  (••lllin<r     Eiu.   I^'.i.  —  .Mrxiriin  liirkcy.     (Fniiii  "  (iiiiiii'  Bir.ls  of  Nortli  America,"  by  D.  G.  Elliot.) 

tills  bird  .1/.  yfdlopaco  me.ricana.  Granted  th;it  the  Linna>an  species  was  a  composite,  iu- 
cluiliiii:  all  the  kinds  of  Turkeys  the  Swede  ever  saw  or  heard  of,  the  case  was  not  altered 
tiL(r(I)y.  For  whou  the  alleged  composite  came  to  be  divided  into  its  several  forms,  the 
cuiiMiKiu  wild  bin!  of  eastern  North  America  wns  the  first  to  receive  a  distinctive  name, 
thus  restricting  the  Linna'an  r/ftUopuro  to  the  Southwestern  and  Mexican  form  renamed 
nic.ricana  by  Gould,  I*.  Z.  S.  18r)(),  p.  (Jl.  I  repeatedly  set  forth  the  facts  in  this  case,  the 
two  forms  having  stood  correctly  identified  and  named  in  the  Key  since  1872.  Mcvicnna 
GouEii  is  a  ])ure  synonym  <if  guUopavo  LiN'N..  as  restricted  by  Bartram,  Vieillot,  and  others. 


l^^ 


u  ^«-"**'  -~ 


728 


SYSTEMATIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  GALLIN.E  —  ALECTOROPODES. 


and  as  such  has  no  standing  in  ornithology.  Meleagris  gallopavo  mexicana  A.  0.  U.  Lists, 
1886-95,  No.  310  a,  has  therefore  been  changed  to  Meleagris  gallopavo  A.  0.  U.  Suppl. 
List,  Jan.  1899,  No.  310.  See  for  example  Ogilvie-Grant,  Cat.  B.  Brit.  Mus.  xxii,  1893, 
pp.  387-390,  where  the  synonymy  is  given  for  all  the  forms  of  the  genus;  and  especially 
CouES,  The  Turkey  Question,  Auk,  July,  1897,  pp.  272-275. 

M.  g.  interme'dia.  (Lat.  intermediate:  inter,  between,  and  meclius,  middle.  Fig.  490.) 
Texan  Wild  Turkey.     Rio  Grande  Turkey.     Intermediate  between  the  foregoing  and 

the  following  form;  ends 
(jf  the  upper  tail-coverts 
liuff  or  somewhat  rufous. 
Eastern  Texas  and  south- 
ward. 31.  gallopavo  and 
M.  mexicana  of  authors 
referring  to  the  Turkey 
of  tlie  Lower  Ilio  Grande 
valley.  M.  gallopavo 
var.  intermedia  ,  Senn. 
Bull.  U.  S.  Geol.  Surv. 
V,  No.  3,  1879,  p.  428 ; 
name  later  changed  by 
Mr.  Sennett  to  M.  g.  elli- 
oti,  Auk,  April,  1892, 
p.  1G7,  pi.  3;  A.  0.  U. 
List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No. 
310  c.  Clianged  back  to 
intermedia,  Auk,  Jan. 
1899,  p.  108,  No.  310  c. 
M.  g.  fe'ra.  (Lat.  fera, 
wild.  Fig.  491.)  Com- 
mon Wild  Turkey  op 
Eastern  North  Amer- 
ica. Upper  tail-coverts 
without  light  tips,  and 
ends  of  the  tail-feathers 
scarcely  paler.  This  is 
the  ordinary  wild  bird, 
having  the  ends  of  the 
feathers  in  mention  rich 
chestnut  or  maroon  brown;  furthermore,  the  fleshy  frontal  finger  and  the  dewlap  never  show 
the  enormous  development  they  usually  acquire  in  the  domestic  gallopavo  proper.  Eastern 
U.  S.  from  some  of  the  Middle  States,  and  also  from  southern  Ontario,  S.  to  the  Gulf  coast, 
W.  to  the  edge  of  the  Great  Plains,  in  the  wooded  extensions  up  streams,  S.  W.  to  some 
parts  of  Texas;  formerly  N.  E.  to  Maine,  but  long  since  extirpated  from  all  New  England; 
formerly  N.  W.  in  the  Missouri  region  to  North  Dakota ;  lately  extirpated  from  that  state, 
South  Dakota  and  Nebraska,  and  become  rave  in  Kansas  and  Missouri;  still  abundant  in 
the  Indian  Territory  and  some  parts  of  Texas,  in  different  areas  of  which  great  State  the 
present  and  both  the  preceding  occur.  The  present  nortliern  limits  of  distribution  include 
some  portions  of  Pennsylvania,  Ohio,  Indiana,  Illinois,  probably  southern  Ontario,  Michi- 
gan, Wisconsin,  and  Minnesota.  This  Turkey  inhabits  woodland,  and  is  resident  wher- 
ever found;  breeds  Feb.-June,  mostly  in  April  ami  May.     Eggs  10-14  or  more,  ordinarily  a 


Fig.  490.  — Elliot's  Rio  Grande  Tiirliey.     (From  "Game  Birds  of  North  America," 
by  D.  G.  Elliot.) 


ME  LEA  GRIDID.E :    TURKE  YS. 


729 


devil's  or  a  baker's  dozen  (11-13),  creamy  or  buff,  pretty  regularly  and  uniformly  spotted  or 
speckled  in  tine  pattern  with  chocolate  and  reddisli-browu,  rarely  neutral  tints;  size  averaging 
2.45  X  1-S5.  M.  gallopavo,  wholly  or  in  part,  of  authors;  A.  O.  U.  Lists,  1886-95,  No.  310. 
M.  americana  Bartr.  Trav.  1791,  p.  290;  M.  g.  americana  CouES,  Key,  all  editions. 
M.  g.  occidentalis  Allen,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  i,  1876,  p.  55.  31.  palawa  Barton,  Med. 
and  Phys.  Journ.  ii,  1805,  p.  163.  M.  fera  Vieill.  Nouv.  Diet,  ix,  1817,  p.  447  and  Gal. 
ii,  1825,  p.  10  ;  Gallopuro  sylvestris  Le  Conte,  Pr.  Phila.  Acad.  18.57,  p.  179,  thus  reverting 
to  Brisson,  Orn.  i,  1760,  p.  162,  and  Catesby,  1730;  31.  sylvestris  Elliot,  Gall.  Game 
Birds,  1897,  p.  176.  I  make  no  point  of  insistence  ujjon  the  availability  of  either  of  the  Bar- 
tramian   names,   americana  and  occidentdlis,  thougli  Allen   has  used  the  latter;    but  some 


Fig.  491.  —  WiM  Turk 


f  North  America,"  by  D.  G.  Elliot  ) 


name  must  Ix-  applied  to  tills  bird.  Failing  both  the  Bartramian  ones  for  any  reason,  the 
next  in  order  of  date  \^  jmlawa  Barton:  failing  which  for  any  reason,  the  next  is/<va  Vieill. 
H17,  adopted  by  the  A.  0.  U.  at  my  instance,  see  Auk,  Jan.  1899,  p.  77  and  p.  107;  No.  3IOrt. 
of  theSu])pl.   List,  exchanging  numbers  with  the  stock  form. 

M.  g.  osct'o'la.  (Name  of  tlie  famous  Seminole  Indian  chief,  b.  in  Georgia,  1^04,  d.  prisoner 
at  Fort  .Mniihrie,  S.  C.  .Tan.  :]0,  1838.  Fig.  492.)  Fi,nKii>.\  Wii.i.  Tiukey.  Like  the 
last:  tips  of  ui)])er  tail-cov(>rts  somewhat  i)aler,  as  in  intermedia,  but  dark  bars  on  the  prima- 
ries in  excess  of  widtii  over  tlie  light  ones.  Southern  Florida.  31.  occidentalis  Hartu.  Trav. 
I7!ll.  ]).  83  (Florida).     .1/.  g.  osceola  Scott,  Auk,  I8!t0.  p.  .'{7t;.     A.  ().  V.  NO.  :i\{)  l>. 

Oits.  —  Before  proceeding  to  the  families  'letraoniiltr  and  l'erdicid(C,  it  may  be  well  to  re- 
mark that  the  vernacular  names  "  piiea.sant,"  "  partridge,"  and  **  (]uail,''  as  applied  to  oiir  pnmo 
birds  in  ditferent  sections  of  the  cotmtry,  are  the  cause  of  endlc-js  confii.sion  and  misunderstand- 
iiiL,',  which  it  seems  hop<)c<>i  t..  :iit<iii|it  ti>  do  ,i\v:iy  uitli   in  t.iitiiilir   ipi-r.li.tisiun.      (1)  Tlio 


730 


S  YS  TEMA  TIC   S  YNOPSIS.  —  GA  LL  IN.E  —  ALEC  TOR  OP  ODES. 


word  "  pheasant"  (derived  from  the  name  of  the  river  Phasis  in  Colchis)  belongs  to  certain 
Olii  W i^vVX  Fhasiamdce  (see  above;  and   fig.  487),   havin:,' no  indigenous  representatives  in 

America.  But  early  set- 
tlers of  this  country  ap- 
[)lied  it  to  the  Ruffed 
CJ rouse,  JBonasa  umbellus 

—  and  "  pheasant "  is  the 
Ruffed  Grouse  called  to 
this  day  by  the  common 
[icople  of  the  Middle  and 
Southern  States,  after  the 
bad  example  set  by  Ed- 
wards, who  originally 
named  it  "Pheasant  from 
Pennsylvania"  iu  1754. 
(2)  "Partridge"  is  an 
old  English  word,  spe- 
cifically designating  the 
English  Perdix  cinerea, 
then  enlarged  in  meaning 
to  cover  all  the  family 
I'erdicidce  (see  beyond j. 
In  the  Northern  States, 
both  the  Spruce  Grouse, 
Canachites  canadensis, 
and  the  Ruffed  Grouse, 
are  commonly  called 
"partridge."  In  the  Mid- 
dle and  Southern  States 

—  wherever  the  Ruffed 
Grouse  is  called  "  pheas- 
ant '■  —  the  Bob-white, 
Colinus    virginianus,    is 

called  "  partridge."  (3)  The  term  "quail"  is  specially  applicable  to  the  European  Migratory 
or  Messina  Quail,  Coturnix  dactylisonans  or  C.  coturnix.  But  this  resembles  our  Bob-white 
not  distantly,  causing  the  latter  to  be  called  "quail"  in  the  sections  where  the  Ruffed  and 
Spruce  Grouse  are  called  "  partridge;  "  and  in  the  Southwest,  the  species  of  Callipepla,  Lo-^ 
phortyx,  Oreortyx,  and  Cyrtonyx  are  universally  called  "quail." 


Fig.  492. —Florida  Wild  Turkey. 
D.  G.  Elliot.) 


(From  "  Game  Birds  of  North  America,' 


Family   TETRAONID^  :    Grouse. 

Head  completely  feathered,  excepting,  usually,  a  naked  strip  of  skin  over  eye.  Nasal 
fossae  densely  feathered.  Tarsi  more  or  less  perfectly  feathered,  the  feathering  sometimes  ex- 
tending on  toes  to  claws  ;  toes,  when  naked,  with  horny  fringe-like  processes,  or  pectinations. 
No  spurs  ever  developed.  Tail  variable  in  shape,  but  never  folded,  nor  very  long,  of  16-20, 
rarely  22,  feathers.  Sides  of  neck  frequently  with  lengthened  or  otherwise  modified  feathers, 
or  a  bare  distensible  skin,  or  both.  Plumage  for  the  most  part  of  subdued  coloration,  in  which 
the  browns  and  grays  prevail ;  sometimes  black  or  white,  never  brilliant,  as  in  most  Phasia- 
nidce.     Sexes  similar  or  subsimilar  ;  monogamy  the  rule.     Nest  slight  or  none,  on  the  ground. 


TETRAONID^:    GROUSE.  731 

Eggs  numerous,  colored.  The  family  thus  characterized  is  the  best  defined  division  of  the 
GallincB.  It  has  been  customary  to  include  the  Partridges  and  Quails  in  a  family  Tetraonidce, 
then  separated  into  Tetraonince  for  the  Grouse,  and  one  or  more  subfamilies  for  the  Partridges, 
etc.  Such  was  the  arrangement  in  former  editions  of  the  Key,  still  kept  up  by  the  A.  0.  U.  But 
the  latest  monographer  of  the  Gallince,  Ogilvie-Grant,  has  taught  us  better  ;  and  I  alter  my 
earlier  scheme  accordingly.  There  is  no  exception  to  the  characters  of  Tetraonidce  as  here 
drawn ;  and  only  two  or  three  equivocal  genera  of  PerdicidcB  connect  the  two  families.  (See 
under  PerdicidcB,  beyond.) 

The  true  Grouse  are  confined  to  the  northern  hemisphere,  and  reach  their  highest  devel- 
opment, as  a  family,  in  North  America,  where  singularly  varied  forms  occur.  All  species  of 
this  family  used  to  be  referred  to  a  single  genus  Tetrao  —  the  only  generic  name  familiar  to 
sportsmen  and  others  who  make  no  technical  study  of  birds.  But  such  must  not  be  surprised 
to  find  me  discarding  this  well-known  name,  and  adopting  several  different  ones  as  generic  des- 
ignations of  our  Grouse,  which  differ  much  among  themselves,  in  points  of  form  and  structure, 
and  are  all  widely  diverse  from  such  as  "  Tetrao"  urogallus  or  Tetrao  tetrix,  both  of  Europe. 
The  latter  is  now  made  type  of  the  Linusean  genus  Tetrao,  upon  the  "  principle  of  elimination  " 
in  restricting  the  old  names  of 'heterogeueous  genera,  adopted  by  the  A.  0.  U.  — a  method  of 
procedure  in  which  I  fully  concur.  T.  tetrix  is  the  "  black  game  "  of  Europe;  the  ^  has  curi- 
ously curled  tail-feathers,  18  iu  number,  producing  a  lyre-shaped  tail,  whence  the  synonym 
Lyriirus  for  this  genus.  There  is  a  second  species,  T.  mlokosieiviczi  —  the  bird's  tail  may  re- 
semble a  lyre,  but  there  is  no  music  in  its  name  !  The  genus  Urogallus  includes  four  species 
of  Capercaillies,  of  Europe  and  Asia  —  U.  urogallus,  U.  uralensis,  U.  2}'-if'i'irostris,  and 
U.  kamtschaticus.  These  are  tlie  largest  Grouse,  some  two  feet  long,  heavy-bodied,  with  18- 
feathered  tail.  The  sickle-winged  species  of  Falcipennis  represents  our  Canada  Grouse  in 
Siberia,  and  like  it  has  16  tail-feathers.  Similarly  our  Ruffed  Grouse  is  represented  in  Europe 
and  Asia  by  three  species  of  tlie  genus  Tetrastes,  iu  which  the  ruffle  is  rudimentary,  tlie  tail  has 
only  16  feathers,  and  the  sexes  differ  more  than  they  do  iu  Bonasa  ;  T.  bonasia,  T.  griseiventris, 
and  T.  severtsovi  compo.se  this  genus.  The  ouly  one  common  to  both  hemispheres  is  Lagopus  ; 
the  species  of  which,  together  with  those  of  the  other  genera  named  in  this  paragraph,  and 
those  of  Nortli  America  now  to  be  treated,  citmpose  the  family  TetraonidcB. 

Summary  of  North  American  Tetraonidce  —  Grouse,  with  feathers  on  the  shank. 

Sage  Grouse:  Sage  Cock;  Sage  Hen;  Cock-of-the-Plaius.  Wcsieru.  One  species: 
Centrocercus  urophasianus. 

Sharp-tailed  Grouse:  Pin-tail  Grouse;  Prairie  Hen  or  Prairie  Chicken  of  the  North- 
west.    1  s])ecies  :  Pediacetes  i^hasianellus,  with  2  subspecies. 

Pinnated  Grouse  :  common  Prairie  Hen  or  Prairie  ChicUeu  of  the  Mississippi,  Ohio, 
and  Lower  Missouri  valleys.  .'i  species:  T.  cupido  (Martha's  Vineyard);  T.  ameri- 
canus,  witli  a  subspecies ;  T.  pallidicinctus. 

Tree  Grouse:  Spruce  Grouse;  Spotted  Grouse;  in  the  Noriliern  States  species  im- 
properly called  "  partridge."  Two  species  :  C.  caiuidensis,  Eastern  :  C.  franklini. 
Western. 

Dusky  I'ree  Grouse:  oue  species:  Dendragapus  obacurun,  witli  2  subspecies,  all 
Western. 

Ruffed  Grouse:  imiinipt'rly  calk-il  "  paitiidge"  in  llit-  Nnrtlirru  and  "})lu'asant"  in  tlio 
Middle  and  Southern  Stales.     One  species:  Botuisa  umbcUus,  of  2  or  ''^  subs|K'cies. 

Snow  Grouse  or  Ptarmigan  :  bnreal  and  alpine,  turniui,' white  in  winter.  Several  spe- 
cies or  subspecies  :  as  Lagopus  ltigoj)us,  L.  rupcstns,   L.  Icucurus,  etc. 


732  SYSTEMATIC  SYNOPSIS.  — GALLIN.E  — ALECTOROPODES. 

Analysis  of  N.  Am.  Genera  of  Telraonidce. 

Tail  stiff,  pointed,  wedge-shaped,  equalling  or  exceeding  wing,  of  20  feathers ;  scaly  and  hair-like  feathers  on  breast. 

Tarsi  fuU-featliered.     Very  large.     Western Centrocercus 

Tall  stiff,  pointed,  wedge-shaped,  much  shorter  than  wing,  of  18  feathers  ;  no  obviously  peculiar  feathers  on  neck. 

Tarsi  full-feathered.     Western  and  Northern Pedittcetes 

Tail  stiiBsh,  rounded,  much  shorter  than  wing,  of  18  feathers  ;  wing-like  tufts  and  great  bare  inflatable  space  on  neck. 

Tarsi  scant-teathered.     Eastern  and  Western Tympanuchus 

Tail  soft,  rounded,  about  as  long  as  wing,  of  18  feathers ;  umbrella-like  tufts  on  neck,  but  no  obvious  bare  space. 

Tarsi  bare  below.     Eastern  and  Western Bonasa 

Tail  stifflsh,  flat,  square,  shorter  than  wing,  of  IG  feathers ;  no  evidently  peculiar  feathers  or  obviously  bare  space  on 

neck.     Tarsi  full-feathered.     Eastern  and  Western Canachites 

Tail  as  in  Canachites,  but  of  20  feathers ;  no  evidently  peculiar  feathers  on  neck,  but  a  bare  inflatable  space.     Tarsi 

full-feathered.     Western Dendragapus 

TaU,  etc.  as  in  Canachites.     Tarsi  and  toes  fully  feathered.     Boreal  and  alpine.     White  in  winter      .     .     .    Lagopus 

CANACHI'TES.  (With  formative  sufli.^  -ites,  denoting  agent  or  doer,  from  Gr.  Kavaxeoi  or 
Kavaxi^^oa,  kanacheo  or  kanachiso,  I  make  a  noise ;  Kavaxos,  kanachos,  or  KavaxTj,  kanadie,  a  noise. 
Hence  Kavd<T},  Kanake,  Lat.  Canace,  a  proper  name  of  the  daughter  of  ^olns,  formerly  used  for 
this  genus.)  Tree  Grouse.  Spotted  Grouse.  No  obviously  lengthened  or  otherwise  pecul- 
iar feathers  on  neck  or  head.  No  obviously  naked  space  on  neck;  but  there  is  a  piece  of  skin 
capable  of  some  distension.  A  strip  of  bare  colored  skin  over  eye.  No  crest.  Tarsi  feathered 
to  toes.  Tail  little  shorter  than  wing,  stiffish,  nearly  square,  of  broad,  obtuse  feathers,  nor- 
mally 16  in  number  (exceptionally  14  or  18,  as  an  individual  peculiarity).  Of  medium  size, 
and  dark  blended  colors,  inhabiting  woodland,  like  species  of  Bonasa,  and  quite  arboreal ; 
northerly  and  alpine,  eastern  and  western.  Sexes  distinguishable.  Eggs  heavily  colored. 
Meat  of  breast  dark.  (Canace  of  former  eds.  of  the  Key,  pret)ccupied  in  entomology.  Cana- 
chites Stej.  Pr.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.  viii,  Sept.  188.5,  p.  410,  as  a  subgenus  of  Dendragapus,  and 
so  rated  by  the  A.  0.  U.  1886-95 ;  but  given  proper  rank  in  A.  0.  U.  Suppl.  List,  Auk, 
Jan.  1899,  p.  107,  after  Ogilvie- Grant,  Cat.  B.  Brit.  Mus.  xxii,  1893,  p.  69,  and  Elliot,  Gall. 
Game  Bds.  1897,  p.  202.  The  characters,  especially  the  number  of  tail-feathers  and  the  unde- 
veloped neck-drums,  are  of  the  kind  usually  held  to  mark  genera  in  this  family.) 

Analysis  of  Species. 

Tail  with  broad  orange-brown  end,  its  upper  coverts  without  white  spots.     Eastern canadensis 

Tail  without  orange-brown  end,  its  upper  coverts  with  white  spots.     Western franklini 

C.  canaden'sis.  (Of  Canada.  Fig.  493.)  Canada  Groi'SE.  Black  Grouse.  Spotted 
Grouse.  Spruce  Grouse.  Wood  Grouse.  Spruce  "Partridge."  Cedar  "Par- 
tridge." Swamp  "  Partridge."  Adult  $:  Head  smooth,  but  feathers  susceptible  of  erec- 
tion into  a  slight  crest.  A  colored  comb  of  naked  skin  over  eye,  bright  yellow  or  reddish  when 
fully  injected.  Tail  slightly  rounded,  of  16  feathers,  a  scant  inch  broad  to  their  very  ends. 
Tarsi  full-feathered  to  toes,  which  are  naked,  scaly,  and  fringed  with  deciduous  pectinations 
which  grow  and  are  moulted  periodically.  Tail  black,  broadly  tipped  with  orange-brown  ; 
its  upper  coverts  without  decidedly  white  tips,  though  they  may  be  edged  and  tipped  with 
gray.  Under  parts  glossy  black,  extensively  varied  with  white ;  under  tail-coverts  tipped 
with  white  ;  sides  and  breast  with  white  bars  or  semicircles ;  white  spots  bounding  throat ; 
white  spots  on  lore.  Upper  parts  wavy-barred  with  black  and  gray,  usually  also  with 
some  tawny  markings  on  back  and  wings,  and  white  markings  on  scapulars  and  wing- 
coverts.  In  full  feather,  the  appearance  is  of  a  black  bird,  grayer  above,  spotty  with  white 
below,  and  orange-brown  tail-end.  Length  15.00-17.00  ;  wing  7.00  :  tail  5.50.  Hen  rather 
smaller  than  the  cock.  No  continuous  black  below,  where  white  and  tawny,  latter  par- 
ticularly on  breast,  nearly  everywhere  pretty  regularly  wavy-barred  with  blackish,  and 
usually   streaked   with   white   on   the   flanks.      Above,   more  like  $,  but  browner.      End  of 


TETRAONID.E:    GROUSE. 


733 


(Ad.   nat. 


tail  more  narrowly  orange-brown,  and  most  of  the  tail  irregularly  barred  or  mottled  with 
buff,  these  markings  tending  to  disappear  with  age.  Pullets  resemble  tlie  hen.  Chicks  in 
the  down  are  buff,  more  brownish  above  and 
yellowish  below,  variegated  with  black  spots 
and  stripes  on  the  head  and  rump ;  they  resem- 
ble young  Ptarmigan,  but  the  toes  are  bare. 
N.  Am.,  E.  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  northerly, 
in  woodland ;  N.  nearly  or  quite  to  limit  of 
trees;  N.  W.  to  tlie  Pacific  in  Alaska;  S.  into 
the  northern  tier  of  States,  especially  Maine, 
Michigan,  Wisconsin,  and  Minnesota;  casually 
to  Massachusetts,  more  commonly  to  northern 
New  York.     It  is  a  very  hardy  bird,  enduring 

the    rigors    of    sub-arctic    winters,    not    properly  Fig.   493. —  Canada  Grouse,   nat.   size. 

migratory,   and   breeds   throughout   its   regular      e .    .    .) 

range.     It  is  especially  a  bird  of  coniferous  woods,  as  spruce  groves  and  tamarack  swamps; 

its  food  is  mainly  buds,  leaves,  and  berries  of  many  different  kinds.     The  cocks  begin  to  strut 

and  drum  early  in  the  spring,  and  the  hens  lay  in  May  and  June.     Eggs  numerous,  9-16, 

usually  about  a  dozen, 

averaging  ].(>8  X  1-25, 
though  some  run  up  to 
1 .90  in  length  ;  they  are 
rather  pointed,  buff-col- 
ored, dotted,  spotted, 
and  boldly  splashed  with 
ricli  cliestnut,  and  darker 
l)ro\vn ;  the  markings 
rarely  obsolete.  Shape 
and  pattern  of  eggs 
more  like  those  of  Ptar- 
migan than  of  the  prai- 
rie Grouse.  Canace 
canadensis  of  former  edi- 
tions of  the  Key.  Den- 
drugapus  (canachites) 
canadensis,  A.  0.  U. 
J  886  -  95.  Canachites 
canadensis,  A.  0.  U. 
Suppl.  List,  Auk,  Jan. 
1899,  p.  107,  N...  >J98. 
C.  c.  1  ab  ratio  ri  us. 
(Lat.  (if  Labrador.) 
Labradou  Sprltce 
Grouse.  Like  true 
canadensis  ;  $  in  suin- 
iiuT  witli  heavier  wliite 
markiuiTs  <'U  umlor 
parts,    and    purt'r   gray 


(From  "Game  Birdu  of  North  America,"  by  D.  G. 


Flo.  494.  —  Fraiiklin'H  Grouse. 
Elliot.) 

markings  <>m  iippcr  p:nt.s  :   9  in  suinnier  naicli  niorc  purely  black,  gray,  and  white,  with  little 

buff  or  ochraconus.     Hamilton  Inlet,  north,  ru  Liibrador.      15an<;.s,  Pr.  N.  Engl.  Zool.  Club,  i, 

June  5,  ]8J>9,  p.  47;  Auk,  Oct.  lr<9!>,  p.  .'UO. 


734  SYSTEMATIC  SYNOPSIS.  — GALLING  — ALECTOROPODES. 

C.  frank'lini.  (To  Sir  John  Franklin,  of  Arctic  fame  and  sorrow.  Fig.  494.)  Franklin's 
Spruce  Grouse.  Size,  shape,  and  wiiole  appearance  of  the  foregoing.  Tail  rather  longer, 
more  nearly  even,  with  broader  feathers  ;  lacking  terminal  orange-brown  bar;  tipped  narrowly 
with  white,  and  its  upper  coverts  broadly  tipped  with  pure  white,  making  upper  side  of  tail 
conspicuously  spotty.  Kocky  and  other  mountains  of  western  U.  S.,  northerly,  in  Montana, 
Idaho,  Oregon,  and  Washington ;  N.  to  the  sources  of  the  Saskatchewan,  Athabasca,  and 
McKenzie  Rivers  in  British  America,  and  N.  W.  in  the  Pacific  coast  region  through  British 
Columbia  to  southern  Alaska,  about  lat.  60°.  It  abounds  in  tlie  huge  nest  of  mountains  which 
occupy  most  of  Idaho,  where  it  was  discovered  by  Lewis  and  Clark  in  1805,  as  described 
but  not  technically  named  by  them  in  ]814  ;  see  CoUES,  History  of  the  Expedition,  ed.  of  1893, 
p.  870.  It  was  rediscovered  in  Oregon  and  Washington  by  David  Douglas,  who  named  it 
Tetrao  franklini  in  Trans.  Linn.  Soc.  xvi,  1829,  p.  139;  figured  by  Bonaparte,  Am.  Orn.  iii, 
1830,  pi.  30;  best  figured  by  Swainson,  F.  B.  A.  1831,  pi.  61  ^J,  62  ?.     The  difl!"erence  from 

C.  canadensis  is  parallel  with  that  of  Dendragapus  richardsoni  as  c(jmpared  with  D.  obscurus, 
but  seem  to  be  pushed  to  specific  characters,  as  intergrades  are  unknown.  In  habits  the  coun- 
terpart of  C.  canadensis  :  eggs  undistinguishable.  This  bird  shares  with  some  others  the  name 
"  fool  hen,"  given  in  consequence  of  their  innocence,  and  the  insouciance  with  which  they  per- 
mit approach  so  nearly  that  they  may  often  be  killed  with  a  stick.  (Canace  canadensis  frank- 
lini of  previous  eds.  of  the  Key.  Dendragapus  (canachites)  franklinii,  A.  0.  U.  Lists, 
1886-95.  Canachites  franklinii,  A.  0.  U.  Suppl.  List,  Auk,  Jan.  1899,  p.  107,  No.  299. 
DENDRA'GAPUS.  (Gr.  8ev8pov,  dendron,  a  tree ;  dyaTraio,  agapao,  I  love.)  Dusky 
Grouse.  Characters  of  Canachites,  for  the  most  part,  but  tail  normally  of  18-20  feathers, 
rarely  16  or  22,  and  a  well-developed  naked  space  on  each  side  of  the  neck,  ordinarily  covered 
by  a  bunch  of  special  feathers,  but  capable  of  inflation  into  a  hollow  drum  or  tympanum. 
Size  large:  wing  over  8.00.  Meat  of  breast  dark.  Eggs  fewer  than  in  Canachites,  and  less 
heavily  colored.     One  Western  species,  with  two  subspecies. 

Analysis  of  Subspecies. 

Tail  black,  with  distinct  slate-colored  end. 

Under  parts  clear  bluish-slate  color.     Rocky  Mts.,  etc.,  southerly ohscurus 

Under  parts  sooty  plumbeous.     Alaska fuliginosus 

Tail  black,  with  indistinct  or  no  slate-colored  end.     Rocky  Mts.,  etc.,  northerly richardsoni 

D.  obscu'rus.  (Lat.  obscurus,  dark.)  Dusky  Grouse.  Blue  Grouse.  Gray  Grouse. 
Pine  Grouse.  Pine  Hen.  Old  cock  :  Back  and  wings  blackish-brown,  finely  waved  and 
vermiculated  in  zigzag  with  slate-gray,  mixed  with  more  or  less  ochrey-brown  and  some  white 
on  scapulars.  Long  feathers  of  sides  with  white  ends  and  shaft-stripes  ;  other  under  parts  fine 
bluish-gray  or  light  slate  color,  varied  with  white,  especially  on  lower  belly,  flanks,  and  vent- 
feathers.  Cheeks  black  ;  chin  and  throat  finely  speckled  with  black  and  white.  Though  the 
lateral  feathers  of  the  neck  are  smooth  and  simple,  forming  no  decided  tufts  as  in  Tympanuchus 
or  Bonasa,  they  are  somewhat  enlarged,  covering  a  naked  tympanum  :  these  feathers  with 
snowy  white  bases  and  black  tips.  Tail  brownish-black,  veined  and  marbled  with  gray,  and 
with  a  broad  slate-gray  terminal  bar,  1.00-1.50  wide  ;  normally  of  20  feathers,  broad  to  their 
very  ends  ;  tail  as  a  whole  slightly  rounded.  Bill  black ;  iris  brown-orange;  comb  over  eye, 
and  neck-drum  yellow.  Size  very  variable  ;  well-grown  cocks  usually  20  or  22  inches,  some- 
times up  to  2  feet  long  ;  extent  of  wings  about  30  inches  ;  wing  9  or  10  ;  tail  7  or  8  ;  weight 
up  to  3J  lbs.  Hen  smaller  ;  length  17  to  19  inches  ;  wing  9  or  less;  tail  6  or  less  ;  coloration 
lighter,  more  extensively  varied  with  white  and  tawny ;  but  showing  distinctive  slate-gray  of 
under  parts,  and  slate  bar  at  end  of  tail.  Pullets  like  hen,  but  upper  parts  wdth  hammer- 
headed  white  shaft-lines.  Tail  with  white  shaft-lines  enlarged  at  end,  also  marked  on  some 
of  the  feathers  with  wavy  blackish  crossbars.    Chicks  in  the  down  whitish  below,  above  mixed 


TETRAOXID.E:    GROUSE.  735 

whitish  and  brtiwuish,  uuraerously  spotted  and  streaked  on  the  head  and  rump  with  blackish. 
A  species  of  general  dispersion  in  elevated  and  wooded,  especially  coniferous,  regions  of  the 
West;  S.  to  New  Mexico  and  Arizona;  in  the  Rocky  Mts.  northerly  shading  into  rich- 
ardsoni  in  Montana  and  Idaho,  westerly  into  fuliginosus.  A  large  cumbrous  bird,  usually 
displaying  stolidity  or  indifference  to  the  j)resence  of  man,  taking  to  trees  when  disturbed,  and 
very  easily  slaughtered  ;  hence  it  is  a  "fool  lien  "  in  the  idiom  of  the  "  wild  and  woolly  West." 
Besides  buds,  leaves,  and  various  berries,  this  Grouse  feeds  much  on  insects.  Kesideut  wher- 
ever found,  breeding  up  to  the  timber-line ;  the  rumbling  mating  process  with  much  noise  and 
fuss  in  spring:  eggs  laid  in  May  and  June.  These  are  fewer  in  numl)er  than  those  of  Cana- 
chites,  generally  8  or  9,  but  from  7  to  10,  or  perhaps  a  dozen;  larger,  more  elongated,  and 
less  heavily  colored  than  those  of  Spruce  Grouse  and  Ptarmigan  ;  creamy-buff,  finely  freckled 
all  over  with  chocolate-brown,  sekhjm  with  any  large  spots  :  2.00  X  1.40.  (Canace  (Dendra- 
gapus)  obscura   of  previous  eds.  of  the  Key.     D.  obscurus  A.  0.  U.) 

D.  o.  rich'ardsoni.  (To  Sir  John  Richardson.)  Richardson's  Dusky  Grouse.  Size, 
shape,  and  whole  appearance  of  the  foregoing.  Tail  rather  longer,  more  nearly  even,  with 
broader  feathers,  having  the  terminal  slate  bar  reduced  or  wanting;  general  color  more  uni- 
formly darker;  black  of  throat  more  extensive.  Rocky  Mts.,  northerly,  U.  S.  and  northward. 
It  shades  into  obscurus  proper  in  Idaho  and  Wyoming,  into  fuliginosus  westward  from  this 
region,  but  keeps  its  own  characters  N.  to  the  limit  of  its  range  in  the  interior  of  British 
America  to  about  lat.  62°.  (^Canace  obscura  richardsoni  of  previous  eds.  of  the  Key.  D.  ob- 
scurus riclmrdsoni  A.  0.  U.) 

D.  o.  fuligiiio'sus.  (Lat.  fuliginosus,  sooty.)  Sooty  Grouse.  With  less  broad  slate  tail- 
b;ir  than  obscurus  proper,  but  colors  darker  than  in  richardsoni  even.  $  above,  blackish, 
minutely  freckled  with  gray  and  rusty-brown;  beh)w,  dark  plumbeous;  usually  no  distinct 
wliite  markings  on  scapulars  or  flanks.  The  lien  is  more  different,  with  prevailing  rich  rusty 
and  chestnut-brown  markings.  Northwest  Coast  mountains,  California  and  Oregon  to  Sitka, 
Alaska,  E.  in  the  interior  till  it  shades  into  obscurus  in  Nevada  and  Idaho,  and  into  richard- 
soni in  Idaho  and  British  Columbia.  Eggs  indistinguishable  from  those  of  the  foreiroinir,  usu- 
ally 8-10  in  number,  sometimes  more,  averaging  1.95  X  l-S-i.  (Canace  obscura  fuliginosa  of 
previous  eds.  of  the  Key.     D.  obscurus  fuliginosus  A.  0.  U.) 

CENTROCER'CUS.  (Gr.  Kfvrpov,  Jcentron,  a  spine,  prickle;  KtpKos,  kerkos,  tail.)  Sage 
Guor.sE.  Spine-Tail  Grouse.  Of  great  size.  Tail  very  long,  equalling  or  exceeding  the 
wings,  of  l(t-20  stifiened,  narrow,  acuminate  feathers,  much  graduated  in  length.  Neck  sus- 
ceptible of  enormous  distention  by  means  of  air-sacs  covered  with  naked  livid  skin  — not  regu- 
larly hemispherical  and  lateral  like  those  of  Dendragapus  and  Tgmpanuchus,  but  forming  a 
great  protuberance  in  front,  of  irregular  contctur ;  surmounted  by  a  fringe  of  hair-like  fila- 
ments, several  inches  long,  springing  from  a  mass  of  erect  white  feathers;  covered  htlnw  witii 
a  solid  set  of  sharp  white  horny  feathers,  like  fish-scales.  (The  affair  is  not  easy  to  describe 
in  few  words,  especially  as  it  is  constantly  changing  with  wear  of  tlie  feathers,  and  is  only 
fully  exhibited  by  the  cock  during  the  amours.  The  anatomical  arrangement  for  intlition  is 
only  a  special  exhibition  of  the  air-sacs  of  other  genera,  as  Dendragapus,  7'gmpanuchus,  and 
J'edicecetcs  ;  the  peculiarities  of  tlie  feathers  are  the  inherited  results  of  habitual  attrition,  the 
l)irds  rubbing  tlie  breast  against  tlie  ground  in  their  love-spasms  ;  and,  as  said,  the  state  of  the 
]iarts  is  always  changing  with  wear  of  the  feathers.  This  accounts  for  the  vague  or  conflicting 
statements  of  authors.)  Tarsus  feathered  to  toes.  Digestive  system  remarkable  for  slight 
muscularity  of  the  gizzard,  which  is  ratln-r  a  membranous  paunch  than  a  grist-mill  ;  the  bin! 
browses  rather  than  .scrat<dies  for  a  living,  feeding  on  wormwood  and  also  extensively  on  in- 
sects. The  food  is  by  no  means  .so  exclusive  as  some  have  supposed,  includinj;  many  kinds  of 
berries  and  seeds,  and  sometimes  consisting  mainly  of  grasshoppers.  Sexe.s  similar  in  color, 
unlike  in  size  and  to  some  extent  in  form.  .Meat  of  breast  dark.  Kggs  dark  in  ground  ctdor, 
imitoiMdy  spotted.     One  prairie  species,  p»'rfectly  terrestrial. 


736  SYSTEMA  TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  GA LLINJE  —  ALECTOROPODES. 

C.  urophasia'nus.  (Gr.  ovpa,  oura,  tail  ;  (fiaa-iavos,  phasianos,  a  pheasant.)  Sage  Cock. 
Sage  Hen.  Cock  of  the  Plains.  Largest  of  American  Grouse.  Full-grown  cock  2-2^ 
feet  long ;  extent  of  wings  3  feet  or  more  ;  wing  and  tail  about  a  foot ;  vA^eight  upward  of  4 
pounds  —  up  to  8  pounds.  Hen  a  third  smaller,  weighing  3-5  pounds.  Above,  varied  with 
black,  gray,  brown,  and  buff;  below,  chiefly  white,  with  a  large  squarish  black  area  on  belly. 
To  describe  the  peculiar  neck-feathering  of  the  old  cock  more  particularly  :  On  each  side  is  a 
patch  of  feathers,  meeting  in  front,  with  extremely  stiff  bases,  prolonged  into  hair-like  fila- 
ments about  3.00  in  length  ;  with  the  wearing  away  of  these  feathers  in  the  peculiar  actions 
of  the  bird  in  pairing-time,  their  hard  horny  bases  are  left,  forming  the  "  fish -scales  "  above 
said.  In  front  of  these  peculiar  feathers  is  the  naked  tympanum,  capable  of  enormous  inflation 
under  amatory  excitement.  Above  them  is  a  tuft  of  down-feathers,  covered  with  a  set  of  long 
soft  filamentous  plumes  corresponding  to  the  ruff  of  Bonasa.  Many  breast-feathers  resemble 
the  scaly  ones  of  the  neck,  and  are  commonly  found  worn  to  a  bristly  "  thread-bare  "  state. 
Scaly  bases  of  these  feathers  soiled  white  ;  thready  ends  blackish  ;  fluffy  feathers  snowy-white, 
like  wool,  the  longer  overlying  filamentous  plumes  glossy  black.  Chin  and  throat  blackish, 
speckled  with  white  ends  of  the  feathers,  usually  presenting  a  definite  white  half-collar.  Lin- 
ing of  wings  white.  Hen:  Length  about  21.00;  wing  10.50;  tail  7.00-8.50,  of  the  same 
general  character  as  the  cock's,  but  softer,  shorter,  less  cuneate,  with  more  rapidly  tapering 
feathers.  A  small  tympanum,  but  no  obviously  peculiar  feathers  on  neck.  Coloration  quite 
like  that  of  the  cock,  excepting  that  the  throat  is  not  black.  Pullet:  No  peculiar  neck- 
feathers  ;  tail  beginning  to  show  its  special  form  ;  general  coloration  of  the  hen.  Before  the 
September  moult,  all  feathers  of  upper  parts  with  sharp  white  hammer-headed  shaft-lines,  and 
circular  spotting  of  feathers  of  breast.  Sooty  belly-patch  showing  with  first  feathering.  Chick 
in  down  altogether  different  from  the  dingy  yellow  chick  of  Pedioecetes  ;  below  grayish-white, 
above  grayish -brown  mottled  with  black  ;  bill  black.  This  remarkable  bird,  quite  a  Roland 
for  the  Capercaillie's  Oliver,  inhabits  the  sterile  sage-bush  plains  of  the  West ;  an  abundant  and 
characteristic  species  of  these  forbidding  regions,  beginning  with  the  eastern  foot-hills  of  the 
Rocky  Mts.,  S.  into  New  Mexico  and  Arizona,  sparingly  N.  to  49°  or  farther,  in  British  Colum- 
bia and  the  Milk  River  region  of  southern  Assiuiboia  and  Alberta,  in  both  of  which  provinces 
I  have  observed  it.  Not  in  Dakota  east  of  the  Coteau,  or  in  the  Missouri  Basin  much  below 
the  Yellowstone  country.  Its  centre  of  abundance  is  the  artendsia  tracts  of  Colorado,  Wyo- 
ming, Utah,  Nevada,  Idaho,  eastern  California,  and  Oregon.  It  straggles  through  the  sage- 
bush,  but  I  have  seen  packs  of  hundreds  in  the  fall.  In  the  breeding  season  its  sonorous 
huUaballoo  resounds  on  every  hand  where  the  birds  are  numerous  ;  the  trouble  begins  in  some 
regions  in  February,  and  is  kept  up  for  a  month  or  so;  the  laying  season  is  protracted  from 
the  latter  part  of  March  through  May.  The  flesh  is  edible  or  not,  "as  you  like  it."  The 
behavior  toward  man  varies  with  circumstances;  sometimes  the  birds  may  almost  be  knocked 
over  with  a  stick,  at  others  it  is  difficult  to  get  a  shot.  In  walking,  the  tail  is  somewhat  ele- 
vated, and  swings  sideways  with  each  step.  The  flight  is  extremely  vigorous,  and  at  times 
greatly  protracted,  with  wings  so  widely  expanded  that  the  tips  of  the  primaries  stand  apart ; 
the  course  rapid  and  steady  when  the  bird  is  once  fairly  on  wing,  accomplished  with  a  succes- 
sion of  quick  energetic  wing-beats,  alternating  with  sailing  with  stiffly  motionless  wings  until 
the  impulse  is  spent.  From  the  nature  of  its  resorts  the  bird  is  exclusively  terrestrial.  The 
egg  is  narrower  and  more  pf)inted  than  that  of  any  other  Grouse  of  our  country,  measuring 
from  2.05-2.35  X  1.50-1.60;  average  length  2.20;  grayish  or  greenish-drab  color,  thickly 
speckled  with  chocolate-brown,  mostly  in  minute  dots  evenly  distributed,  occasionally  with 
well-defined  spots  up  to  size  of  a  split  pea,  tending  to  circular  shape.  The  number  to  a  clutch 
is  indefinite,  but  does  not  average  over  9,  though  12,  15,  even  17  have  been  found  in  one  nest. 
PEDICE'CETES.  (Gr.  TreStW,  j)edion,  a  plain  ;  oIk^ttis,  oiketes,  an  inhabitant.)  Pin-tail 
Grouse.       Neck  without  obviously  peculiar  feathers,   like  those  either  of  the  Pinnated  or 


TETRAOXID.E:    GROUSE.  737 

Ruffed  Grouse  or  Sage  Cock,  but  with  a  hidden,  definitely  circumscribed  space  of  reddish,  vas- 
cuhir,  aud  distensible  skin  on  each  side,  constituting  an  undeveloped  tyuipanuin,  over  which  lies 
a  lateial  series  of  slightly  enlarged  feathers.  Head  lightly  crested ;  longest  feathers  of  crown 
falliug  on  occiput ;  a  cresceutic  naked  patch  over  each  eye  of  numerous  orange  or  chrome-yellow 
fringe-like  processes,  in  several  parallel  curved  rows.  Feet  full-feathered  to  between  bases  of 
toes,  with  long,  hair-like  plumage  reaching  to  or  beyond  end  of  hind  claw;  toes  above  with 
one  row  of  broad,  transverse  scutella,  a  row  of  smaller  rounded  scales  on  each  side,  and  a  con- 
spicuous fringe  of  horny  processes  ;  below,  bossed  and  scabrous.  Tail  much  shorter  than  wings, 
normally  of  18  true  rectrices,  of  which  the  central  pair  are  soft,  parallel-edged  and  squaro-tipped, 
proje(;ting  1.00-2.00  beyond  next  pair;  the  rest  rapidly  graduated,  stiffish,  and  crisp  (making  a 
creaking  sound  when  rubbed  together)  ;  at  first  about  straight-edged,  soon  becoming  club-shaped 
(with  a  constricti(m  near  apex)  by  mutual  attrition.  Sexes  similar,  but  cock  rather  larger  and 
darker  than  hen,  with  more  prominent  supraciliary  papilla?.  One  species,  of  two  or  three  sub- 
species, of  i)rairie,  jjerfectly  terrestrial.  (A.  0.  U.  Lists,  188G-95  had  Pediocoites,  after  a  mis- 
spelling of  Baird,  1858,  corrected  to  Pedioecetes  Baird,  1858,  and  Coues,  1872;  see  Coues, 
Auk,  Jan.  1884,  p.  54;  Gill,  Auk,  Jan.  1899,  pp.  20-23;  A.  0.  U.  Suppl.  List,  Jan.  1899, 
p.  107. 

A7iali/sis  of  Subspecies 

2\'orthern  Sharp-tailed  Grouse.  The  markings  black,  white,  and  dark  brown,  with  little  or  no  tawny  ;  spots  on  the 
under  parts  numerous,  blackish,  V-sliaped ;  throat  wliite,  speckled.     (Arctic  America) phasianellus 

Common  Sharptaileil  Grouse.  The  markings  black,  white,  and  especially  tawny;  below,  spots  fewer,  brown, 
U-shaped;  throat  buff.     (U.  S.  and  British  Provinces) columbianus  (and  campestris) 

P.  phasianel'lus.  (Diminutive  of  Lat.  phasianus,  a  pheasant.)  Northern  Sharp-tailed 
Grou.se.  As  above,  in  comparison  with  tlie  ordinary  bird  next  described.  Very  dark-ctdored, 
in  blackish  and  white  variegation,  with  little  bufl',  even  in  falL  Markings  below  heavier,  in 
sharper,  more  arrow-headed  shape,  quite  blackish.  Feet  very  heavily  feathered,  almost  like 
a  Ptarmigan's.  Interior  of  British  America,  E.  to  Hudson's  Bay,  N.  and  W.  to  the  Yukon, 
southward  shading  directly  into  the  U.  S.  bird  before  reaching  49°.  This  is  the  true  Tetrao 
phasianellus  —  a  name  which  was  commonly  applied  to  the  following: 

P.  p.  coluiiibia'niis.  (Of  the  Columbia  Kiver.  Fig.  495.)  Common*  Sharp-tailed  Grop.se. 
I'rairih  Chickkx  of  the  Northwest.  Pin-t.\ilei)  Grouse  or  Pin-tail.  Sprig-tailed 
Grouse  or  Sprig-tail.  Spike-tailed  Grouse  or  Spike-Tail.  White-Grouse  or 
White-Belly.  Adult  ^  9  •  Upper  parts  closely  and  pretty  evenly  variegated  with  blackish- 
brown,  reddish-brown,  and  grayish -brown,  the  pattern  smallest  on  rump  aud  lower  back,  where 
the  blackish  is  mostly  in  sharp-angled  stars;  the  reddish  mo.^t  conspicimus  on  upper  back,  and 
both  the  lighter  ccdors  everywhere  finely  sprinkled  with  blackish.  Wing-coverts  like  upper 
back,  but  with  numerous  conspicuous  rounded  white  spots,  one  on  end  of  each  featlier.  Crown 
and  back  of  neck  nearly  like  back,  but  in  smaller  pattern,  and  the  markings  mostly  transverse. 
An  illy-defined  white  area  on  each  side  of  neck,  over  tympanum,  and  slight  whitish  stripe 
behind  eye.  Throat  fine  light  buff,  usually  immaculate,  but  sometimes  finely  speckled  quite 
across.  Under  parts  white,  more  or  le.'is  tinted  with  buff  toward  thrnat;  breast  with  nnmeroiis 
regular  dark  brown  U-shaped  spots,  one  on  each  feather;  similar  but  smaller,  sharper,  and 
ftwer  such  spots  thence  scattered  over  most  of  the  under  parts,  only  middle  of  belly  being  left 
unmarked.  Long  feathers  of  sides  under  wings  matching  npj)er  wing-coverts  nearly ;  under 
wing-coverts  and  axillaries  pure  white,  not  marked  ;  Hanks  with  bars  or  U-spots  of  dark  brown. 
L<'gs  grayish-wliit<',  unmarked.  Quills  of  wings  fuscous  ;  outer  webs  of  secondaries  with  equi- 
distant, squarish,  white  or  tawny  spots,  .secondaries  tip]>ed  and  imperfectly  twice  or  thrice  barred 
with  white,  and  gradually  becoming  sprinkled  with  the  varied  ccdors  of  back,  so  that  the  inner- 
most of  them  are  almost  precisely  like  greater  coverts.     Four  juiddle  tail-featliers  variegated. 

tnuch  like  back  ;  others  white,  or  grayish-white  on  inner  \><L-.    il nr.  i  «■  t,s  Imui.'  niottlid  ; 

47 


738 


SYSTEMA  TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  GALLIN.E  —  ALECTOROPODES. 


a  few  under  tail-coverts  spotted,  the  rest  white ;  upper  tail-coverts  nearly  like  rump.  Iris  light 
brown;  bill  dark  horn-color;  part  of  under  mandible  iiesh  -  colored  ;  claws  like  bill;  toes  on 
top  liglit  horn-color,  soles  darker.  Length  18.00-20.00;  extent  24.00-30.00;  wing  8.00-9.00; 
middle  tail-feathers  4.00-6.00;  shortest  t;iil-feathers  (outermost)  about  1.50;  tarsi  2.00;  middle 
toe  and  claw  about  the  same;  cuhnen  of  bill  about  0.67;  gape  of  bill  1.00-1.25;  depth  of  bill 
at  base  0.50  or  rather  less.  Pullets,  before  first  moult :  Crown  bright  brown,  varied  with  black. 
Sharp  wliite  shaft-lines  above,  which,  with  a  black  area  on  each  feather,  contrast  with  fine 
gray  and  browu  mottling  of  upper  parts.     Wing-coverts  and  inner  quills  with  whitish  spots. 

Several  inner  tail-feathers  wdth  whitish 
shaft-lines,  and  mottled  with  blackish 
and  bi'own.  Lower  throat  and  breast 
with  numerous  dark  browu  spots ;  sides 
similar,  the  markings  lengthening  into 
streaks.  Bill  brown  above,  pale  below. 
This  lasts  till  the  September  moult  is 
completed.  Chicks  hatch  dingy  yellow, 
mottled  on  crown,  back,  and  wings 
with  brown  and  black.  The  Pin-tail 
Chicken  inhabits  the  western  portions 
of  Minnesota,  southern  Wisconsin,  a 
small  part  of  Iowa  and  of  Illinois,  all  of 
both  Dakotas,  thence  diagonally  across 
Nebraska  and  Kansas  to  Colorado  in 
the  Laramie  and  upper  Platte  regions  ; 
thence  westward  in  suitable  country  to 
the  Sierras  Nevadas  and  Cascade  Ranges 
of  Calif(jrnia,  Oregon,  and  Washing- 
ton; northern  limit  may  be  conven- 
tionally taken  along  the  N.  border  of 
the  U.  S.,  beyond  which  it  shades  into 
the  true  phasianellus ;  but  birds  rather 
referable  to  this  form  than  to  the  Arctic  stock  reach  N.  through  British  Columbia  to  some 
portions  of  Alaska.  In  fine,  this  is  the  "prairie  chicken"  of  the  whole  Northwest;  usually 
occurring  where  Ti/mpanuchus  americamis  does  not,  though  the  two  overlap  to  some  extent. 
Formerly  ranged  in  all  the  prairie  of  Minnesota,  Michigan,  and  Iowa,  but  is  pushed  westward 
by  the  grain-fields  —  the  same  carrying  Tympanuchus  along,  so  that  the  one  recedes  as  the 
other  proceeds  westward.  It  is  a  fine  game  and  table  bird,  like  its  near  relative,  much  hunted 
and  easily  killed ;  its  numbers  have  been  materially  reduced  of  late  years,  and  its  range  east- 
ward has  contracted.  The  packs  in  which  it  goes  in  winter,  sometimes  by  hundreds,  break 
up  in  early  spring  into  the  smaller  "dancing-parties"  which  indulge  in  amorous  revelry  vuitil 
such  ribaldry  results  in  matrimony,  April-June;  chicks  are  mostly  able  to  tiy  by  midsummer. 
Eggs  5-10-12-14-16,  grayish-olive  or  drab-colored,  uniformly  dotted  with  brown  points,  rarely 
larger  than  a  pin-head;  always  quite  different  from  those  of  Tympnnuchus ;  1.60  to  1.80  long 
by  1.20  to  1.30  broad  ;  average  1.70  X  1-25.  This  bird  was  originally  discovered  and  described 
accurately  by  Lewis  and  Clark,  who  note  that  the  scales  fall  off  the  toes  in  summer.  They 
found  it  abundant  on  the  plains  of  the  Columbia,  1805-6,  whence  it  was  named  Phasianiis 
columbianus  by  Ord  in  1815;  whence  Pedicecetes  phasianellus  columhianiis  Coues,  1872,  and 
all  later  editions  of  tlie  Key. 

P.  p.  eampes'tris.  (Lat.  relating  to  a  crt»?^?/s  or  [)lain.)  Prairie  Sharp-tailed  Grouse. 
Birds  of  those  portions  of  the  Sharp-tail's  range  E.  of  the  Rocky  Mts.,  as  above  given,  have 


Fio.  495.  —  Head  of  Sharp-tailed  Grouse,  nat.  size.     (Ad.  nat 
del.  E.  C.) 


TETRAONID/E:    GROUSE.  739 

been  so  called,  and  are  said  to  be  "  above  more  rusty  or  ochraceous."  I  record  the  name  with- 
out further  remark:  Pedioccctes pliasianellus  campestris  ViiuQW .  Pr.  Biol.  Soc.  Wash.,  April, 
1884,  p.  93;  A.  O.  U.  No.  308  6. 

TYMPANU'CHUS.  (Gr.  rvfinavov,  tumpanon,  Lat.  tympanum,  a  sort  of  kettledrum  or 
tambourine,  such  as  was  used  by  Corybautcs  in  the  orgies  of  Cybele  and  Bacchus,  also  an  ear- 
drum, tympanum,  etc.  ;  and  e;((u,  echo,  I  have  or  hold.)  PiN-N£CK  GiiousE.  Prairie  Hens 
proper.  Cl'PIdoxias.  Neck  with  a  peculiar  tuft  of  loose,  lengthened  feathers  on  each  side, 
like  little  wings,  fancied  to  resemble  those  worn  by  Cupid  instead  of  clothes,  beneath  which  is 
a  circular  tympanum  of  bare,  yellow  skin,  capable  of  great  distension,  like  half  of  a  small 
orange.  Head  with  a  sliglit  soft  crest.  Tarsi  scant-feathered  to  toes  in  front  and  on  sides, 
bare  on  a  strip  behind ;  toes  extensively  webbed  at  base.  Tail  short,  rounded,  of  18  broad 
stiflish  feathers,  with  obtusely  rounded  ends.  Sexes  nearly  alike  in  size,  form,  and  color;  plu- 
mage below  barred  transversely.  Meat  of  breast  dark.  Eggs  plain  or  scarcely  marked,  very 
numerous.  Three  species,  one  of  them  with  a  slight  variety,  of  prairie,  perfectly  terrestrial. 
(Cnpidonia  Eeicii.,  1852,  of  most  authors,  as  of  all  previous  editions  of  the  Key;  antedated  by 
Tijmpanuchus  Gloger.  1842.) 

Analysis  of  Spficies. 

Mabtha's  Vineyard  Bikd.     Feathers  of  neck-wiiigs  few,  lance-acute cupido 

Feathers  of  neck-wings  many,  lance-obtuse. 
The  Common  Bibd.     Tarsal  feathers  hiding  the  bare  strip.     Dark  bars  above  black  and  broad  ;  top  of  head  mostly 

blackisli americantts 

Texas  Bird.     Tarsi  very  scant-feathered,  the  bare  strip  exposed.     Dark  bars  above  brown  and  narrow  ;  top  of  head 

little  blackish pnllidicinclus 

T.  oupi'do.  (The  tufts  on  the  neck  likened  to  conventional  "  Cupid's  wings.")  Pinnated 
Grol.se  of  Martha's  Vineyard.  Heath  Hen  of  Massachusetts.  Brewster's 
Cupiuo.  Resembling  closely  the  common  bird  next  to  be  described,  but  apparently  distinct, 
and  now  isolated  geographically.  Adult  (J  :  Ground  color  above  light  reddish-brown  or  rusty; 
scapulars  spotted  with  whitish  tips  of  the  feathers;  below,  rusty  white  with  dark  reddish-brown 
bars  in  excess;  feet  cinnamon-brown  mottled  with  white.  "Neck-tufts  composed  of  from 
•3  to  5  narrow,  acutely  lance-pointed,  stitlened  feathers,  with  about  the  same  number  of  over- 
laj)i)ing  coverts."  Smaller  than  tlie  common  bird;  weight  considerably  less  ;  wing  8.35.  9  still 
smaller;  wing  hardly  8.00;  darker  and  rustier,  the  bars  on  the  under  parts  dull  black;  tiiil 
dark  (dove-brown  with  many  fine  irregular  rusty  bars.  A  woodland  bird,  inhabiting  scrub  oak 
and  i)ine  tracts,  now  entirely  confined  to  Martha's  Vineyard,  formerly  ranging  over  nmch  of 
the  U.  S.,  E.  of  the  AUeglianies,  from  Massachusetts  to  "Virginia."  Eggs  in  June  and  July, 
drab,  unmarked,  1.70  X  1-30.  Tetrao  cupido  LiNN.  in  part  (in  so  far  as  based  on  Catesbyand 
supposed  to  be  Virginian  and  as  now  restricted).  Cupidonia  cupido  Brewst.  Auk,  Jan.  1885, 
p.  82.  Cupidonia  cupido  bretvsteri  Coles,  Key,  1887,  3d  ed.  p.  884.  Ti/mpanuchus  cupido 
KiD(;w.  Pr.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.  1885,  p.  355.  A.  0.  U.  Check  List,  1886-95,  No.  3(K3. 
T.  ainerieu'iius.  (Lat.  American.  Figs.  490,  497.)  Common  Pinnated  Groise.  Prai- 
rie Hi;n  or  Chicken.  Adult  ^  9  •  Above,  variegated  with  black,  brown,  tawny,  or  ochrey, 
and  wiiite,  the  latter  especially  on  wings;  below,  pretty  regularly  barred  with  dark  brown, 
white,  and  tawny,  in  about  eciual  amounts;  throat  tawny,  a  little  sj)eckled,  or  not;  vent  and 
crissum  mostly  white;  quills  fu.scons,  witli  white  spots  on  outer  webs;  tail  fuscous,  with  nar- 
row or  imperfect  white  or  tawny  bars  and  tips  ;  feet  plain.  Sexes  alike  in  c«dor,  but  9  smalltT, 
witli  .shorter  neck-tufts.  Lcni.nh  10. 00-18. (M);  extent  about  28.(M) ;  wing  8.(M)-9.(M) ;  tail  ab..ut 
4. .")();  tarsus  ratlier  over,  middle  toe  and  claw  ratlier  under,  2.00;  neck-tnfls  2.(M)-.3.5()  inclios 
long,  little  lanceolate  or  almost  parallel-edged  to  tlieir  obtuse  or  broad  rounded  ends;  the  longer 
slitf  ones  7-10  in  nuuilicr.  witii  as  many  more  short  ones.  Tliis  well-known  bird  formerly  nuiged 
across  miicli  of  tlie  U.  S.,  in  »\mi  country,  to  the  Atlantic  coast  in  some  latitudes.      It  is 


740 


SYSTEMA  TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  GA  LLIN.E  —  ALECTOROPODES. 


now  and  long  has  been  a  bird  of  the  Mississippi  Valley  at  large,  S.  to  some  portions  of 
Texas  and  Louisiana,  and  in  the  other  direction  extending  in  the  Great  Lake  region  into 
Ontario.  Its  usual  range  includes,  wholly  or  in  part,  Kentucky,  Ohio,  Indiana,  Illinois,  Michi- 
gan, Wisconsin,  Minnesota,  N.  and  S.  Dakota,  Iowa,  Kansas,  Nebraska,  Missouri,  Arkansas, 
and  the  Indian  Territory.  It  is  creeping  westward  with  the  grain  fiehls,  especially  along  lines 
of  railroad.  About  1874  it  began  to  mix  with  the  Sharp-tails  in  the  vicinity  of  St.  Paul,  Minn., 
and  pushed  up  the  Missouri  beyond  Sioux  City,  Iowa ;  and  this  was  about  the  time  it  reached 

over  into  the  valley  of 
the  Red  River  of  the 
North,  both  in  Min- 
nesota and  North  Da- 
kota, and  so  on  into 
Manitoba.  Its  general 
recession  from  easterly 
localities  corresponds 
to  its  westward  ad- 
FiG.  490.  —  Foot  of  Prairie  Hen,  nat.  size.    (Ad.  nat.  del.  E.  C.)  vance  ■      the      area     of 

greatest  abundance  has  altered  decidedly  since  I  penned  it  for  the  1884  edition  of  the  Key, 
and  will  doubtless  continue  to  shift.  It  is  a  resident  bird  for  the  most  part,  wherever  found, 
but  some  N.  and  S.  migration  with  season  has  been  locally  observed,  in  Minnesota,  Iowa,  and 
Missouri,  thus  mostly  west  of  the  Mississippi.  Its  abundance,  and  the  excellence  of  its  flesh, 
render  it  an  object  of  commercial  importance.  Though  there  may  be  little  probability  of  its 
extinction,  legislation  against  its  wanton  or  ill-timed  destruction  is  a  measure  of  obvious  pro- 
priety. The  food  of 
this  bird  consists 
largely  of  cultivated 
grain,  as  well  as  of  a 
great  variety  of  seeds 
and  berries,  and  also 
insects.  The  winter- 
ing packs  break  up 
usually  in  March ; 
there  is  then  a  period 
of  courtship  with 
strange  antics  and 
much  booming  noise 
before  the  birds  quietly 
pair  oflf ;  the  eggs  may 
be  found  from  the  lat- 
ter part  of  that  month 
through  the  summer, 
but  mostly  April- 
June.  They  are  in- 
definitely numerous,  averaging  over  a  dozen,  and  more  than  20  have  been  found  in  one  nest; 
they  average  1.75  X  1-30,  with  extremes  in  length  of  1.60  to  1.85,  thus  averaging  shorter, 
rounder,  and  smaller  than  those  of  the  Sharp-tail;  pale  greenish -gray,  with  sometimes  a 
glaucous  bloom,  usually  unmarked,  sometimes  very  minutely  dotted  with  brown.  (Cupi- 
donia  cupido  of  former  editions  of  the  Key,  as  of  most  authors  since  Baird,  1858,  nee  Tetrao 
cupido  Linn,  as  abov:  restricted;  C.  pinnata  Brewst.  Auk,  Jan.  1885,  p.  82;  Tympanu- 
chns  pinnatus  Ridgw.  18£5;    Cupidonia   americana   Reich.  Syst.  1852,    p.    xxix,    "based 


Fig.  497.  —  Prairie  Hen.     (From  Lewis.) 


TETRAONIDyE:   GROUSE.  741 

oa  VoUst.  Naturg.  Hiihnen,  pi.  217,  figs.  1896-8;"  Tympamtchus  americanus,  A.  0.  U. 
No.  305.) 

T.  a.  attwateri.  (To  H.  P.  Attwater.)  Attwater's  Praiuie  Hex.  A  form  described 
from  the  coast  region  of  Louisiana  and  Te.xas.  7'.  attwateri  Bexdire,  Forest  and  Stream, 
May  18,  1893,  p.  425.  T.  a.  attirateri  A.  0.  U.  Suppl.  List,  Auk,  Apr.  1894,  p.  130;  Check 
List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  305  a. 

T.  pallidicinc'tus.  (Lat.  paUidtts,  pale;  cinctus,  begirt.)  Pale  Pinnated  Grouse. 
Le.s.ser  Prairie  Hen.  Above,  dark  markings  not  in  excess  of  lighter  markings,  and  rather 
brown  than  black,  each  bar  being  brown  between  a  pair  of  narrow  borders  ;  below,  dark  bars 
narrow,  with  the  same  tendency  to  enclose  a  broad  brown  one  between  any  two  dusky  ones. 
Tarsi  scant-feathered,  exposing  the  bare  strip  behind.  Size  smaller  than  that  of  average  amer- 
icanus ;  $  wing  under  8.50,  9  wing  about  8.00.  Southwestern  prairies,  from  some  portions 
of  Kansas  and  the  Indian  Territory  into  Texas.  C.  cupido  iKillidicincta  Ridgw.  Bull.  I-^ssex 
Inst.  Dec.  187.3,  p.  199;  CoUES,  Key,  2d  ed.  1884,  p.  584,  and  of  later  editions.  T.  pallidi- 
cinctus  KiDGW.  1885  ;  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,  2d  ed.  No.  307. 

BOXA'SA.  (Gr.  ^ovaaos,  Lat.  honasus,  a  bison  :  the  "  drumming"  of  the  bird  being  likened 
to  the  bellowing  of  a  bull.)  Ruffed  Grouse.  Shoulder-knot  Grouse.  Head  with  a 
full  soft  crest.  Neck  on  each  side  with  a  tuft  or  umbel  of  numerous  (15-30)  broad  soft  glossy- 
black  feathers,  covering  the  rudimentary  tympanum.  Tail  about  as  long  as  wings,  am))ly 
rounded  or  fan-shaped,  normally  of  18  soft  broad  feathers,  with  truncate  ends.  Tarsi  scant- 
feathered,  naked  below,  with  2-3  rows  of  scutella  in  front.  Plumage  of  blended  and  varied 
colors ;  sexes  alike.  Meat  of  breast  white,  unlike  that  of  any  of  the  foregoing  Grouse.  Eggs 
numerous,  normally  unmarked  or  with  little  spotting.  Woodland  species,  more  or  less  ar- 
boreal, of  common  occurrence  in  suitable  places,  representing  in  America  the  closely  allied 
European  genus  Tetrastes,  in  which  the  tail  has  only  16  feathers,  the  epaulettes  are  unde- 
veloped and  the  sexes  unlike. 

Analysis  of  Varieties. 

Brown,  of  mixed  and  varied  shades  of  reddish  and  gray.     Eastern  and  Northern umbellus 

Pale  ;  slaty-gray  the  prevailing  shade.     Rocky  Mountain  region umbelloiiles 

Dark ;  chestnut-brown  the  prevailing  shade.     Pacific  Coast  region sabinei 

B.  uinbel'lus.  (Lat.  mnbeUiis,  an  umbel,  umbrella;  umbra,  shade,  shadow  ;  alluding  to  the 
neck-tufts.  There  is  no  such  Latin  word  as  "  umhelhis;^^  and  the  form  of  the  feminine  noun 
ximhella  happens  to  suit  Bonasa.  Linnteus  had  Tetrao  umbellus,  as  if  the  specific  name  were 
an  adjective  in  the  masculine  gender,  but  the  only  proper  form  of  the  adjective  from  umbclla 
would  be  innbellatus,  a,  um.  Figs.  498,  499.)  Ruffed  Grouse.  Ruffed  Heath-cock. 
Shoulder-knot  (JRorsE.  Tippet  Grou.'^e.  Drumming  Groise.  "  Partrid(;e,"  New 
England.  Dri'.mming  Partridge.  Birch  Partridge.  "  Pheasant,"  Middle  and  Soutii- 
ern  States.  Drumming  Pheasant.  Mountain  Pheasant.  Whiteflesher.  Adult  (^9: 
Above,  variegated  reddish-  or  grayish-brown  ;  back  with  numerous,  oblong,  pale,  black-edged 
spots.  Below,  whitish,  barred  with  brown.  Tail  brown  or  gray,  numerously  and  narrowly 
Idack-barred,  with  a  broad  subterminal  black  zone,  and  tijiped  with  gray.  Neck-rutHe  <>f  ^ 
mostly  glossy  black,  and  very  full  ;  of  9  smaller  and  more  brown.  Colors  endh'ssly  varied 
as  well  as  blended,  and  the  prevailing  hmv  of  the  brown  birds  tif  the  East  sliades  insensildy 
i'lto  that  of  the  Western  subspecies.  Length  lO.OO-lH.IK);  extent  23(X);  winu  7.(K>-8.(H);  tail 
a1)out  the  same.  Young  of  both  sexes  sufficiently  resemble  the  adults  to  bo  unmistakable, 
and  detailed  description  of  every  feather  would  be  tedious  and  ])rofitIes3.  Chicks  in  <lown  arc 
very  pretty,  being  of  various  buff  shades  deepf'iiinir  on  some  parts  into  chestnut,  with  a  black 
stripe  on  each  side  of  the  head.  There  is  a  sort  of  dichromatism  in  this  species,  somewhat  like 
that  of  the  red  and  gray  Megascops  Owls,  some  individnals  beinir  browner,  otiiers  i:rayer.  than 


742 


SYSTEM  A  TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  GALLIN.E  —  ALECTOROPODES. 


Fig.   40S. 
nat.  del.  E.  C. 


•  Head  of  Ruffed  Grouse,  nat.  size.     (Ad. 


the  average  ;  but  this  is  irrespective  of  age,  sex,  season,  or  locality,  does  not  in  the  least  corre- 
spond with  the  pretended  geographical  distribution  of  the  subspecies  togata  M'hich  some  late 
Grouse-fanciers  have  sought  to  establish,  and  I  cannot  imagine  myself  humoring  such  a  vrhim 
in  the  "  Key."  We  have  quite  enough  to  do  iu  making  out  umbelloides  to  be  subspecifi- 
cally  different.     A  vv^oodland  bird,  like  the  species  of  Canachites,  abundantly  distributed  over 

eastern  North  America ;  W.  in  the  U.  S.  to 


the  central  plains ;  in  British  America  from 
Hudson's  Bay  to  Alaska;  S.  in  the  U.  S. 
to  Georgia,  Mississippi,  and  Arkansas,  but 
less  common,  except  in  the  southern  Appa- 
lachian regions.  This  fine  game  bird  is  well 
known  under  the  above  names  iu  different  sec- 
tions ;  but  it  is  neitlier  a  "partridge"  nor  a 
"  pheasant,"  being,  in  fine,  a  Ruffed  Grouse. 
The  ''drumming"  sound  for  which  this  bird 
is  noted  is  not  vocal,  as  some  suppose,  but 
is  produced  by  rapidly  whirring  the  wings  in 
the  air,  without  beating  them  against  each 
other,  against  the  body  of  the  bird,  nor  yet  against  the  log  or  other  hard  object  upon  which 
the  cock  stands  to  perform  this  peculiar  love-act ;  the  hen  does  not  drum.  The  sound  may 
be  heard  at  any  season,  but  chiefly  in  spring,  from  February  to  the  end  of  the  breeding  season, 
which  is  at  its  height  in  May.  This  grouse  is  not  migratory,  and  its  breeding  range  is  coinci- 
dent with  its  general  distri- 
bution ;  its  favorite  haunts 
ai'e  groves,  coppices,  and 
under  woods  rather  than 
deep  forests ;  the  nest  is  of 
a  few  leaves,  etc.,  on  the 
ground,  rarely  on  a  log  or 
stump  or  in  a  brush  heap, 
but  often  under  or  amidst 
such  things.  Eggs  8-14, 
exceptionally  more,  aver- 
agmg  a  devil's  dozen  in 
number,  in  color  very  char- 
acteristic ;  from  creamy 
white  to  creamy  buff,  usu- 
ally immaculate,  some- 
times minutely  dotted  or 
even  speckled  witli  brown ; 
they  resemble  Partridge 
eggs  somewhat  in  shape, 
which  approaches  the 
pyriform,  broad  and  blunt  at  one  end.  pointed  at  the  other;  size  about  1.60  X  1-20,  moderately 
variable  either  way.  B.  umbellus  and  B.  u.  togata,  A.  0.  U.  Nos.  300  and  300  a. 
B.  u.  umbelloi'des.  (Lat.  umbella,  as  above  defined,  and  Gr.  elSos,  eidos,  resemblance.) 
Gray  Ruffed  Grouse.  A  subspecies  of  the  last,  of  very  difterent  tone  of  color  in  its  ex- 
treme development,  but  shading  into  the  common  Ruffed  Grouse  by  insensible  degrees  in  Brit- 
ish America.  When  fully  manifested,  as  follows :  <J  Lower  back,  rump,  upper  tail-coverts 
and  tail  slate-gray,  with  little  if  any  brown  tinge;  the  feathers  of  the  back  and  rump  with 


Fig.  499.  —Ruffed  Grouse.     (From  Lewis.) 


TETRAONIDJ^:    GROUSE.  743 

light  gray  cordate  or  arrow-headed  spots  uarrowly  bordered  with  bhick ;  tail-feathers  finely 
venniculated  with  black,  and  with  a  broad  subti^rmiual  black  zone.  Ruffle  glossy  greenish- 
black.  Under  parts  wliilish,  more  or  less  tinged  with  tawny-brown,  with  several  broad  brown 
cross-bars  on  each  featliei-,  largest  and  most  distinct  on  long  feathers  of  sides,  some  of  which 
have  also  white  shaft-lines ;  heavy  feathers  of  flanks  and  vent  mostly  whitish,  unmarked. 
Feathei-s  of  fore-neck  and  scapulars  blended  with  gray,  rich  reddish-bnjwn,  ochrey-brown,  and 
white,  in  indescribable  confusion.  Most  of  the  wing-coverts  with  white  shaft-lines.  Hen 
with  ruffle  less  developed,  varied  with  brown  and  white.  General  tone  more  rufous  than 
in  the  cock.  Rocky  Mountain  region,  U.  S.  and  British  America,  running  into  both  the  other 
varieties. 

B.  u.  sabi'nei.  (To  J.  Sabine.)  Red -Ruffed  Grouse.  Oregon  Ruffed  Grouse. 
More  nearly  resembling  the  common  Ruffed  Grouse,  but  coloration  more  heavily  brown,  — 
darker  and  richer.  More  blacki.sh  to  the  brown,  and  latter  almost  chestnut  in  well-marked 
cases.  Pacific  coast  region,  northern  California  to  British  Columbia.  This  bird  was  dis- 
covered by  Lewis  and  Clark  in  1805-6,  and  first  named  Tetrao  fusca  by  Ord,  Guthrie's 
Geogr.  2d  Am.  ed.  ii,  1815,  p.  317.  But  owing  to  the  badly  edited  text  of  the  History  (»f  the 
Expedition  published  in  1814,  what  Lewis  and  Clark  meant  by  their  "small  brown"  was 
unintelligible  till  I  found  out  by  examination  of  their  original  manuscripts:  see  the  1893  edi- 
tion of  the  History,  p.  872.  In  strictness,  therefore,  this  bird  should  be  called  B.  umbella  fusca 
CouES;  but  I  waive  the  point  in  favor  of  B.  u.  sabinei  CouES,  Key,  1872,  p.  235,  as  this  is 
the  established  name,  adopted  liy  the  A.  0.  U.  No.  .'300  c,  after  Tetrao  sabinei  of  Douglas, 
wlio  rediscovered  the  bird  and  described  it  in  Trans.  Linn.  Soc  xvi,  1829,  p.  137. 
LAGO'PUS.  (Gr.  XaycoTTouj,  lugopous,  Lat.  lagopus,  hare-foot  :  the  densely  feathered  feet 
resemble  those  of  rabbits.)  Ptarmigan.  Snow  Grouse.  No  peculiar  feathers  on  head  or 
neck.  Tarsi  and  toes  densely  feathered.  Tail  short,  little  rounded,  normally  of  14  broad 
feathers,  with  long  upper  coverts,  some  of  which  resemble  rectrices,  the  central  pair  of  these 
usually  reckoned  as  rectrices,  making  16.  A  naked  red  comb  over  eye.  Eggs  most  heavily 
colored  (except  in  L.  leucurus).  Boreal  and  alpine  Grouse,  shaped  nearly  as  in  Catiachites, 
remarkable  for  their  changes  of  plumage,  becoming  in  winter  snow-white  (excepting  the  British 
insular  race),  with  or  without  black  tail  and  loral  stripe.  The  plumage  is  subject  to  frequent 
and  rapid  change,  either  by  loss  and  gain  of  feathers,  or  by  their  wear  and  tear;  there  are 
ordinarily  tiiree  difft-rent  plumages  a  year,  not  the  same  in  summer  in  opposite  sexes  of  some 
sfiecies  ;  the  shed<iiiig  extends  even  to  the  claws,  which  are  dropped  jieriodically  when  they 
liave  overgrown,  like  some  portions  of  the  claws  of  some  lemmings.  Pullets  when  half 
grown  drop  their  first  flight-feathers,  which  are  brown,  and  the  new  set  comes  out  white  in 
all  the  species  but  one.  Hence,  specific  characters  founded  upon  color  alone  are  peculiarly 
fallacious  in  this  genus.  We  have  three  well-known  good  species,  one  of  them  with  several 
alleged  subspecies;  I  record  all  these,  also  the  three  other  North  American  forms,  without 
vouching  for  any  excepting  L.  lagopus,  L.  rujiestris,  and  L.  leucurus.  The  cxtralimital  spe- 
cies are:  (1)  L.  scoticus,  the  Red  Grouse,  Rod  Game,  or  Moor-f..wl  of  Britain.  (2)  L.  mutus 
or  alpinus,  the  Ptarmigan  most  properly  so-called,  of  Continental  Europe  from  the  Pyrenees 
and  Alps  northward,  also  in  Scotland.  (3)  L.  hijperboreus  or  hemileucurus,  of  Spitzbergeu, 
witli  the  tail  partly  white  in  winter.  The  word  ptarmigan,  with  an  unexplained  initial  p, 
dating  back  over  200  years,  is  from  the  Gaelic  taruutihan.  suppi'sed  to  mean  mountaineer,  and 
was  earlier  spelled  termigant,  termagant,  etc 

Analt/si.1  of  Specien,  (ilhijnl  Spr.i,--.  and  .1.  <>■  I'.  Siihsprrii'S. 

Tail  block  at  all  seasons. 

In  winter,  no  black  stripe  on  head.     Bill  stout. 

Secondaries  wliite-shafted.      Nortliern  N.  Am.  and  Europe,  etc hi/jopus 

Secondaries  black-shafted.     Newfoundland  only ..  <i   rm 


744  SYSTEMA TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  GALLIN/E  —  ALECTOROPODES. 

In  winter  a  black  stripe  on  head.     Bill  slender. 

Northern  N.  Am.  at  large,  Europe,  etc rupestris 

Greenland  and  N.  K   Arctic  Am r.  reinhardii 

Newfoundland  only welchi 

Uualashka  and  adjacent  Aleutian  Islands '•  nelsoni 

Atka,  one  of  the  Aleutians ''•  atkhensis 

Kyska  and  Adak,  two  of  the  Aleutians,  June  and  July r.  townsendi 

Attn,  one  of  the  Aleutians,  May  and  June evermanni 

Tail  white  at  all  seasons leucurus 


L,.  lago'pus.  (Figs.  500,  501.)  Willow  Grouse.  White  Grouse.  Willow  Ptar- 
migan. Willow  Partridge.  Rehusak.  Bill  very  stout  and  convex,  its  depth  at  base 
0.40  or  more,  as  much  as  distance  from  nasal  fossa  to  tip;  whole  culmen  0.75;  bill  black  at 

all  seasons.  <?  9  ,  in 
winter  :  Snow  white ; 
14  tail-feathers  black, 
white  -  tipped ;  middle 
pair  (which  most  re- 
semble and  perhaps  are 
true  rectrices,  having 
no  after  -  shafts)  to- 
gether with  all  the 
coverts,  one  pair  of 
which  reach  to  end 
of  tail,  white ;  shafts 
of  several  outer  wing- 
quills  black  ;  those  of 
the  secondaries  white ; 
no  black  stripe  on  head. 
(J,  in  summer:  Head 
and  fore  parts  rich  chest- 
nut or  orange-brown, 
more  tawny-brown  on 
back  and  rump ;  the 
richer  brown  parts 
sparsely,  the  tawny- 
brown  more  closely, 
barred  with  black  ;  most 
of  the  wings  and  other 
under  parts  remaining 
white.  9  similar,  wholly 
colored  excepting  wings, 

Fig.  500. — Willow  Ptarmigan,  summer  plumage,  J  nat.  size.     (From  Brehm.)  ^]^g     color    more     tawnv 

than  in  ^,  and  more  heavily,  closely,  and  uniformly  barred  with  black.  Length  15.00-17.00; 
wing  7.50-8.00 ;  tail  5.50.  No  concise  description  will  fit  all  the  plumages  of  age  and  sex, 
when  the  bird  is  not  white  ;  but  the  species  is  unmistakable  in  all  its  mutability.  Chicks  in 
down  are  extremely  pretty,  of  a  drab  color  above  and  sulphury  below,  the  upper  parts  mottled 
with  black,  the  head  and  rump  striped  with  the  same,  the  crown  chestnut.  A  circuinboreal 
species  of  Europe,  Asia,  and  North  America,  in  the  latter  S.  barely  to  the  U.  S.  border,  as 
accidentally  in  winter  to  Maiue  and  Massachusetts;  in  Alaska  S.  to  Sitka;  breeding  range 
confined  to  the  Fur  Countries  from  lat.  55°  northward  to  the  limit  of  trees,  but  in  the  Bar- 
ren Grounds  mainly  replaced  by  the  Rock  Ptarmigan  ;  migratory  to  some  extent.     Packing 


tetraonidjE:  grouse. 


745 


Fig.  iJOl.  —  Willow  Ptarmigan,  winter  plumage,  \  nat.  size.     (From 
Brehm.) 


from  end  of  September  through  winter  and  most  of  spring.  Pairing  in  April,  laying  from 
late  in  May  through  June.  Nest  on  the  ground,  of  a  few  leaves,  etc. ;  eggs  G-12,  measuring 
about  1.75  X  1.25,  ranging  from 
1.85  X  l-<35  down  to  l.GO  X  1-15; 
they  are  very  heavily  colored,  ordi- 
narily, with  bold  confluent  blotches 
or  smears  of  intense  burnt  sienna 
color,  almost  black  in  effect,  upon 
a  more  or  less  reddish-tinted  buff 
ground,  seldom  evenly  marked  with 
small  discrete  spots.  All  the  eggs 
of  birds  of  this  family  are  colorless 
when  the  shell  first  forms  higli  in  the 
oviduct,  acfjuiring  pigment  as  tliey 
pass  down  ;  in  Ptarmigan,  where 
the  coloring  is  so  heavy,  an  egg  cut 
from  the  pigment-secreting  part  of 
the  passage  is  as  if  covered  with 
fresh  paint,  soft  and  sticky,  which 
maybe  rubbed  ofl'  before  it  "sets" 
on  the  shell.  X.  alhus  of  most  au- 
thors, as  of  former  editions  of  the 
Key,  after  Tetrao  alhus  Gm.  ;  but 
as  this  species  is  the  prior  Tetrao 
lagopus  Lixx.,  our  rules  now  require 
the  tautonym  L.  lagopus.  It  is  also  T.  or  L.  Japponicus,  rehusak,  cachinnans,  suhalpinus, 
saliceti,  and  hrncloj(hict>jlHS  of  various  writers. 

L.  1.  al'leni.  (To  Dr.  J.  A.  Allen,  first  president  of  the  A.  0.  U.)  Allex's  Willow  Ptar- 
.MiGAX.  New^foundland  Willow  Ptarmigax.  Like  the  last;  said  to  be  distinguished 
by  having  both  secondaries  and  primaries  black-shafted,  and  these  and  some  of  the  coverts 
marked  on  their  webs  with  blacUish.  Newfoundland  only.  L.  alha  alleni  Stej.  Auk,  Oct. 
1884,  ji.  .'J(J9.  L.  lagopus  alleni  Kiugw.  Man.  1887,  p.  113;  A.  0.  U.  No.  301  a. 
L.  rupes'tris.  (Lat.  rupestris,  relating  to  rupis,  a.  rock;  rupestrine.)  Rock  PTARMIGAN. 
Bill  slenderer  for  its  length  tlian  that  of  lagopus,  its  depth  at  base  under  0.40,  and  less  than 
distance  from  nasal  fossa  to  tip;  wh<de  cuhnen  0.67;  bill  always  black.  J  9  >  •"  winter:  As 
in  L.  lagopus,  but  a  black  transocular  or  loral  stripe.  ^  9)1"  summer:  Plumage,  ex- 
cepting umch  of  wings,  and  tail,  barred  with  blackish-brown  and  brownish-yellow,  niostly  iu 
rather  coarse  zigzags,  but  also  blotched  on  the  back.  Lower  i)arts  except  breast  and  siiies 
white  in  $.  Rather  smaller  than  lagopus.  Length  13.00-14.75;  win-x  7.00-7.50;  tail  4.50. 
The  black  stripe  on  the  head  is  usually  evident  at  all  seasons,  but  may  be  lacking  iu  the  9- 
Arctic  America,  including  S(»me  parts  of  Greenland  ;  nm  S.  to  the  U.  S. ;  supposed  not  to  occur 
from  N.  Labrador  northward,  tliat  region  being  prudently  reserved  for  L.  r.  reinhardti ;  allowed 
on  tliose  Alt;utian  islands  wliich  are  not  reserved  by  the  classifiers  for  some  other  Rock  Ptar- 
migan ;  N.  Asia;  Iceland.  The  bird  has  never  been  found  S.  of  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence, 
or  anywhere  in  the  U.  S.  except  Alaska.  It  is  a  near  relative  of  the  Kumpean  L.  viutus  or 
alpinus,  indistincuishablo  in  winter  plumage,  separable  in  summer.  In  North  America  its 
breethni,'  rantje  is  practically  coincident  with  its  general  distribution.  In  the  Barren  Grounds, 
of  which  the  Rocker  is  so  characteristic,  tlie  egps  are  laid  in  June  and  July:  they  rescmblo 
those  of  lagopus,  but  average  fewer,  usually  (5-10,  rarely  mi»re  ;  tliey  are  al.so  darker  and  nither 
smaller:   sizr  about   1-70  X  IIi^-      "The  summer  plum:ige  is  assumed  at  variable  periods  of 


746 


SVSTEMA  TIC   SYNOPSIS.  —  GALLIN.E  —  ALECTOROPODES. 


the  months  of  April,  May,  aud  even  in  early  June,  according  to  the  locality.  The  moult  for 
the  summer  is  usually  shown  first  on  the  head  and  neck,  followed  by  the  lower  back,  sides, 
breast,  middle  back,  Hanks,  and  abdomen,  in  the  order  named.  The  abdomen  aud  chiu  are  the 
last  areas  to  show  the  complete  moult.  The  parts  named  also  assume,  in  the  order  given, 
the  white  winter  plumage.  During  the  time  of  the  suuimer  plumage  scarcely  a  single  day 
passes  that  the  general  color  of  the  feathers  is  not  modified  by  the  appearance  or  loss  of  some 
feather."  {Turner.)  Hence  the  difficulty  if  not  impossibility  of  establishing  races  of  this 
species  upon  color,  as  the  amount  of  barring,  vermiculation,  or  nebulation  with  dusky,  tawny, 


Fio  502.  —  Eveiiuaim's  Ptarmigan. 

and  gray  is  so  rapidly  changing  in  the  same  individuals ;  and  birds  taken  at  different  dates  in 
summer,  in  the  same  locality,  may  differ  from  one  another  more  than  specimens  from  different 
regions,  representing  several  alleged  varieties,  are  always  finmd  to  do.  Rock  Grouse,  of  Pen- 
nant and  Latham;  Tetrao  rnpestris  Gu.  1788;  Aud.  Orn.  Biog.  iv,  1838,  p.  483,  pi.  368. 
T.  (L.)  rupestris  Sw.  and  Rich.  F.  B.  A.  ii,  1831,  p.  354,  pi.  64.  L.  rupestris  Leach, 
1817;  AuD.  B.  Am.  v,  1842,  p.  122,  pi.  301 ;  Elliot,  Mon.  Tet.  1865,  pi.  23;  and  of  authors 
generally,  as  of  all  editions  of  the  Key;  A.  0.  U.  No.  302.  But  L.  mutus  var.  rtipestris 
RiDGW.  in  Bd.  Brew,  and  Ridgw.  N.  A.  B.  iii,  1874,  p.  462. 


TE  TRA  ONID.E :    GEO  USE. 


747 


"^:- 


'•ife^ 


L.  r.  rein'hardti.  (To  J.  Reiiiliardt,  the  well-known  naturalist.)  Reinhardt's  Rock 
Ptarmigan.  Greenland  Ptarmigan.  As  before;  ^  in  summer  less  regularly  aud  more 
finely  barred  above  on  a  grayish-brown  ground.  Greenland  and  opposite  shores  of  N.  Am.,  S. 
to  Ungava  in  Labrador.  Tetrao  reinliardi  Brehm,  Lehrb.  1823,  p.  440.  T.  reinhardti  Brehm, 
Isis,  1826,  p.  930.  Lagopus  reinhardti  Brehm,  Naum.  1855,  p.  287.  L.  rupestris  reinhardtii 
Blas.  B.  Eur.  18fi2,  p.  IG.  L.  rupestris  reinhardti  X.  0.  U.  Check-List,  1886,  No.  302  «; 
RiDGW.  Man.  1887,  p.  200.  L.  rupestris  reinhardi  A.  0.  U.  Check-List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  302  a, 
reverting  to  Brehm's  original  misspelling,  which  liad  been  set  right  in  the  former  ed.  of  tlie 
List,  as  in  the  Key,  2d 
ed.  1884,  p.  588.  T.  (L.) 
viutits  Sw.  Fn.  Bor.  Am. 
ii,  1831,  p.  450.  L.  mit- 
tus  reinhardti  DuBUS, 
Consp.  1871,p.  21.  Te- 
trao mutus  Aud.  Orn. 
Biog.  V,  1839,  p.  196, 
pi.  318.  Lagopus  amer- 
icanus  Aud.  B.  Am.  v, 
1842,  p.  119,  pi.  300; 
Baird,  B.  N.  a.  1858, 
p.  637.  L.  groenlandicm 
Brehm,  Naum.  1855,  p. 
287.  L.  rup>estris  var.  oc- 
cidentalis  Sund.  Svensk. 
A'et.-Ak.  Forh.  1874, 
p.  20.  (Ob.s.  Connected 
witli  this  geographically 
is  L.  loeldii  of  Newfound- 
land, given  below  as  a 
full  species.) 

L.  r.  nel'soni.  (To  E. 
W.  Nelson.)  Nelson's 
Rock  Ptarmigan. 
Unalashka  Ptarmi- 
gan. As  before :  ^  in 
summer  very  finely  ver- 
miculated  aliove  with 
black  on  a  (h'C])  imiber- 
brown  grniiud,  licl<iwthe 
.same  on  a  briglit  tawny 
ground,  and  witli  some  blackish  feathers  intermixed  ;  9  indistinguishald<'  fmm  that  of  rupestris 
proper.  Unalaslika  and  some  of  the  neighboring  Aleutian  Islands.  L.  albus  Dall,  1873, 
nee  auct.  L.  rupestris  bis  Nelson,  Cruise  Corwin,  1883,  p.  81,  No.  79  (not  No.  78).  L. 
rupestris  Turner,  Cont.  Nat.  Hist.  Alaska,  1886,  p.  155,  in  part.  L.  rujicstris  ueboni  Stej. 
Auk,  July,  1884,  p.  226,  type  No.  93,448  U.  S.  N.  M.  May  18,  1877;  Nelson,  Rep.  Al:i.<5ka. 
1887,  p.  138,  jd.  10;  Ridgw.  Man.  1887,  p.  201  ;  A.  ().  V.  Check-Lists,  1886-95,  No.  302  6; 
see  ColES,  ,\uk,  Jan.  1884,  p.  79. 

L.  r.  atklieii'sis.  (Lat.  of  Atlilia,  AtliUa,  or  Atka,  one  of  the  intermediate  islands  of  the 
Aleutian  diaiii.)  Tikmr's  Kock  I'tarmkjan.  Atkhan  Ptarmigan.  As  before :  ^  \n 
summer  very  fiuely  and  (hiisrly  veriniciilated  jibove  witli  black  on  a  i>ale  raw-urn'"  '■  ."-.Mmd, 


|CAwin.  Onei-ibcivA. 


Via.  503.  —  Wliite-tailfd  PtarmlRan.     (From  "Game  Birds  of  North  Amoru-a," 
by  D.  G.  Elliot.) 


748 


SYSTEMA  TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  GALLIN.E  —  ALECTOROPODES. 


below  the  same  on  a  pale  brownish-ochre  ground.  9  i"  summer  similarly  marked  on  a 
pale  grayish-buff  ground.  Atkha  Island;  type  specimens  Nos.  85,597-85,600,  U.  S.  N.  M. 
May  29  and  June  7,  1879.  L.  mutus  atkhensis  Turner,  Pr.  U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.  v,  July,  1882, 
p.  227  and  p.  230;  Coues,  Key,  2d  ed.  1884,  p.  588.  L.  rupestris  atkhensis  Nelson, 
Cruise  Corvvin,  1883,  p.  56  e  (an  erratum  leaf  cancelling  L.  rupestris  occidentalis  of  p.  82); 
Turner,  Cont.  Nat.  Hist.  Alaska,  1886,  p.  155,  pi.  3  ^,4  9;  Ridgw.  Man.  1887,  p.  201; 
A.  O.  U.  No.  302  c. 

Li,  r.  towu'sendi.  (To  Chas.  H.  Townsend.)  Townsend's  Eock  Ptarmigan.  Kyska 
and  Adak  Ptarmigan.     Based  on  specimens  taken  on  Kyska  Island,  June  8,   1894,  Nos. 

135,634  ^,  135,636  9, 
U.  S.  Nat.  Mus.;  and 
others  on  Adak  Island, 
July  4th.  Elliot,  Auk, 
Jan.  1896,  p.  26;  A.  O. 
U.  Suppl.  List,  Auk, 
Jan.  1897,  p.  119,  No. 
302  d.  As  Mr.  Elliot 
says:  "Comparisons  of 
Ptarmigans  should  be 
niade  between  indi- 
viduals not  only  from 
the  same  locality,  but 
also  taken  in  the  same 
month,  if  possible  the 
same  day,  for  these 
perplexing  birds  being 
in  a  constant  state  of 
moult,  a  few  days'  dif- 
ference in  their  time  of 
capture  exhibits  much 
change  in  their  appear- 
ance, and  one  who  has 
not  studied  them  care- 
fully with  sufficient  ma- 
terial, could  easily  be 
led  to  form  an  erroneous 
opinion  regarding  the 
status  of  a  subspecific  or 
even  a  specific  form."  I  have  little  faith  in  the  expediency,  even  in  the  possibility,  of  distin- 
guishing this  from  the  three  foregoing  subspecies,  all  of  which  are  lumped  by  the  latest  mo- 
nographer, Ogilvie-Grant,  Cat.  B.  Brit.  Mus.  xxii,  1893,  p.  48.  The  two  following  appear 
to  be  better  marked. 

Li.  welch'i.  (To  Geo.  0.  Welch,  of  Lynn,  Mass.)  Welch's  Ptarmigan.  Newfound- 
land Ptarmigan.  Similar  to  L.  rupestris.  $  in  summer  less  regularly  or  very  confusedly 
vermiculated  and  dotted  with  black  on  a  gray  ground  with  little  if  any  tinge  of  tawny,  and 
shafts  of  primaries  brown.  9  lacking  the  black  transocular  bar.  "  Tlie  general  effect  is  that 
of  a  dark  grayish-plumbeous  bird,  plentifully  besprinkled  with  fine  dots  of  'pepper-and-salt' 
color."  Newfoundland  ;  believed  to  be  peculiar  to  that  island,  where  true  riq^estris  does  not 
occur,  and  therefore  not  to  intergrade.  Brewst.  Auk,  Apr.  1885,  p.  194 ;  Ridgw.  Man.  1887, 
p.  201 ;  A.  0.  U.  No.  303. 


Fig.  504.  —  Wliite-tailed  Ptarmigan  in  Winter. 
America,"  by  D.  G.  Elliot.) 


(From   "  Game   Birds  of  North 


PERDICID.E:   PARTRIDGES   AXD    QUAILS.  749 

L.  ev'ermanni.  (To  Prof.  W.  B.  Evermaiin.  Fig.  502.)  Evermann's  Rock  Ptar- 
migan. Attu  Rock  Ptarmigan.  Different  from  any  of  the  foregoing,  and  bearing  upon 
the  Eurasiatic  L.  mutus  rather  than  upon  any  of  the  American  forms  of  L.  riipestris.  ^  in 
June  blackish,  little  varied  with  any  russet  markings,  and  these  chieHy  on  the  head  and  neck 
and  rump,  leaving  the  rest  uniform  except  for  some  lingering  white  feathers  of  the  winter  dress. 
Forehead,  throat,  lower  breast  and  belly,  crissum,  feet,  and  the  whole  wings,  except  some  of 
the  coverts,  white ;  shafts  of  primaries  pale  brown.  Bill  and  claws  black ;  comb  scarlet. 
Lengtli  14.00;  wing  /.ilO;  tail  5.80.  9  in  ^^'<^y  differs,  as  usual  in  this  section  of  the  genus, 
and  is  smaller;  length  l.'i.OO;  wingG.GO;  tail  5.00.  Attu  Island,  about  1,400  miles  W.  of 
Unalashka.  Elliot,  Auk,  Jan.  1890,  p.  25,  pi.  3,  pub-  in  July.  A.  0.  U.  Suppl.  Check- 
List,  Auk,  Jan.  1897,  p.  119,  No.  302.  1.  (Compare  L.  ridgwayi,  probably  to  be  known  as 
L.  mutus  ridgwayi,  from  the  Commander  Islands,  300  miles  W.  of  Attu.) 
L,.  leucu'rus.  (Gr.  XeuKos,  leucos,  white;  ovpd,  oura,  tail.  Figs.  503,  504.)  Whitk-tailed 
Ptarmigan.  Rocky  Mountain  Snow  Grouse.  Mountain  Quail.  <?  9,  in  winter: 
Entirely  snow-white;  bill  black,  rather  slender,  and  general  proportions  nearly  as  in  rupestris, 
but  rather  smaller;  length  12.00-13.00;  wing  under  7.00.  J*  9 ,  in  summer:  Tail,  most  of 
the  wing,  and  lower  parts  from  breast,  remaining  white  ;  rest  of  the  plumage  minutely  marked 
with  black,  white,  and  tawny  or  grayish-brown,  varying  in  precise  character  almost  with  every 
specimen.  Rut  there  is  no  difficulty  in  recognizing  this  white-tailed  species,  of  alpine  distribu- 
tion in  western  North  America  extending  from  Alaska  to  New  Mexico  (lat.  37"^),  N.  to  Liard 
River,  W.  in  British  Columbia,  Washington,  and  Oregon.  In  its  southerly  latitudes,  in  sum- 
mer, it  inhabits  the  mountain  ranges  from  timber-line  to  the  highest  peaks,  in  winter  ranging 
lower  down,  as  it  does  also  in  summer  in  the  higher  latitudes.  Eggs  very  diflFerent  from  the 
heavily  painted  ones  of  lagopus  and  rupestris,  and  resembling  those  of  the  Grouse  of  the  gen- 
era Canachites  and  iJendragapus,  being  of  dull  creamy  complexion,  minutely  dotted  over  the 
whole  surface  with  burnt-sienna,  and  not  thickly  enough  to  obscure  the  ground-ci)lor,  few  of 
the  markings  exceeding  a  ])iu's  head  in  size;  shape  purely  ovoidal,  greatest  diameter  near  the 
middle;  size  1.70  X  1-14  to  1.85  X  1-20;  number  variable,  usually  less  than  a  dozen.  In  the 
Rocky  Mts.  of  the  U.  S.  they  are  laid  in  June  and  July. 


Family  PERDICID^  :   Partridges  and  Quails. 

Well  distinguished  fmm  Tetraonida;  by  the  nakedness  of  the  feet  and  nasal  fossae;  less 
easily  separated  from  Phftsianidce,  which  also  have  tliese  parts  unfeathered.  Viewing  only 
the  central  or  typical  members  of  the  Perdicidcc,  or  ordinary  Partridges  and  Quails,  their  differ- 
ence from  such  birds  as  Pheasants  is  obvious;  but  they  are  so  closely  connected  by  a  number 
of  outlying  genera  that  their  separation,  either  as  families  or  as  subfamilies,  becomes  a  matter 
of  convention,  there  being  actually  no  line  of  demarcation.  Thus,  in  the  Indian  and  Ceyloncse 
genus  Gfdloperdix  the  characters  are  equivocal ;  both  sexes  are  usually  spurre<l,  liave  the  orbits 
bare,  differ  in  plumage,  and  are  technically  phasianiue  ;  yet  they  are  only  12-14  inches  long, 
with  short  14-feathered  tail,  and  have  a  perdicine  aspect.  Another  equivocal  genus  is  litiinbu- 
sicolx,  with  3  species  of  India,  China,  and  Formosa,  in  whicli  the  sexes  are  alike  in  plumage, 
tlie  (J  anil  sometimes  the  9  is  spurred,  the  orbits  are  feathered,  the  14-feathered  tail  is  rather 
long,  and  the  total  length  is  only  10-12  inches;  thus  tliey  stand  directly  on  the  line  between 
jdiasianine  and  perdicine  forms.  Again,  the  African  Ptilopachifs  fuscus  is  m>t  spurred  in  either 
sex;  the  sexes  are  alike;  there  is  a  jwst-orbital  bare  space;  the  moderate  tail  is  14-feathered; 
the  length  is  a  foot  or  less,  and  the  whole  aspect  perdicine.  One,  the  Indian  Ophri/sia,  is 
tlioroui^flily  (juail-like  in  aspect,  only  8  or  9  inches  long,  wine  3.50,  tail  IO-fcatlured.  and  sexes 
dissimilar:    thus  no  doubt  belonging   on    thf    perdicine   siiie   of  ilie    line.     The   u'cnera   hero 


750  S YSTEMA  TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  GALLINuE  —  ALECTOROPODES. 

named  are  the  links  between  Phasianin/s  and  Perdicinee;  for  Galloperdix  and  Bambusicola 
lean  toward  the  former,  while  Ptilopachys  and  especially  Ophrysia  connect  them  directly 
with  such  undoubted  quail-forms  as  Excalf actor ia,  Syncecus,  and  Coturnix.  Ogilvie-Grant 
has  pointed  out  a  character  wliich  almost  unexceptioually  separates  Perdicidce  from  Phasi- 
anid(e.  Tiiis  is,  that  in  the  former  the  1st  primary  is  longer  than,  or  at  least  equal  to,  the 
10th,  while  in  the  latter  it  is  much  shorter  —  or  if  longer  (as  it  is  in  Phasianus)  the  tail 
is  much  longer  than  the  wing  in  phasianine  birds,  it  being  always  shorter  than  the  wing  in 
p(!rdicine  birds.  Waiving  the  four  exceptional  genera  named,  the  following  characters  apply 
to  the  Perdicidce: 

Tarsi,  toes,  and  nasal  fossse  bare  of  feathers,  at  least  in  part,  as  a  rule  entirely.  Sides 
of  head  usually  feathered.  Tail  short,  always  shorter  than  the  wings,  usually  much  shorter ; 
first  primary  longer  than,  or  at  least  equal  to,  the  10th  (or  if  decidedly  shorter,  then  the  tail 
much  shorter  than  the  wing).  Spurs,  combs,  and  wattles  as  a  rule  wanting  (the  reverse  of  the 
rule  in  Phasianidce) .     Sexes  in  general  similar,  and  sexual  habit  monogamous. 

These  expressions  will  almost  infallibly  separate  any  perdicine  bird  from  the  Phasianidce, 
in  which  the  rule  is:  Large  size,  long  many-feathered  tail,  spurs  on  the  tarsi,  head  in  part 
naked  and  carunculate,  sexual  diversity,  and  polygamous  habit.  On  the  side  of  the  Tetra- 
onidce  the  line  is  much  better  drawn.  The  most  ambiguous  form  is  Lerwa  nivicola  of  the 
Himalayas,  with  half- feathered  yet  spurred  tarsi,  14-feathered  tail,  and  sexes  similar.  An- 
other grouse-like  perdicine  genus  is  Tetraogallus,  with  spurred  tarsi,  20-22-feathered  tail, 
a  leugtli  of  20  inches  or  more,  and  the  sexes  subsimilar ;  it  includes  several  species,  as  T. 
tihetanus,  T.  himalayensis,  T.  caspius,  and  T.  caucasicus,  the  latter  known  as  the  Chourtka. 
A  remarkable  bird  related  to  these  is  Tetraojihasis  ohscurus  of  Tibet,  about  18  inches  long, 
with  spurred  tarsi  and  18-feathered  tail.  But  the  three  genera  here  noted  are  no  doubt  to 
be  brought  within  the  perdicine  line,  being  in  fact  not  far  removed  from  the  genus  Perdix 
itself. 

The  PerdicidcE  are  divisible  into  two  subfamilies  mainly  or  solely  upon  geographical 
grounds,  though  the  American  forms  have  a  fades  peculiar  to  themselves.  The  introduction 
of  the  common  Quail  of  Europe  into  this  country  brings  both  within  our  limits. 

Analysis  of  Stibfamilies  of  PerdicidoR. 

Old  World  forms,  with  no  peculiarity  of  the  under  mandible Perdicinee 

New  World  forms,  sometimes  with  dentate  under  mandible Odontophorinw 

Subfamily  PERDICIN/E:  Old  World  Partridges  and  Quails. 

Character  as  just  said.  Before  describing  our  single  introduced  representative  of  this  sub- 
family, some  idea  of  its  composition  may  be  given.  The  genera  above  named  lead  directly  to 
Perdix,  type  and  name-giving  genus  of  this  group,  in  which  the  tail  has  16  or  18  feathers  and 
the  tarsi  are  not  spurred.  It  includes  the  common  gray  Partridge  of  Europe,  etc.,  P.  perdix  or 
P.  cinerea,  and  a  few  others,  a  glance  at  any  of  which  would  suffice  to  show  how  very  different 
they  are  from  any  of  the  birds  called  "  partridges"  in  America.  Then  comes  a  series  of  genera 
in  which  the  tail  is  14-feathered,  the  tarsi  being  spurred  in  some  of  them  and  not  in  others. 
Such  is  Caccabis,  with  several  species,  including  C  rnfa,  the  Red-legged  or  Guernsey  Partridge, 
C.  petrosa,  the  Barbary  Partridge,  C  saxatilis,  the  Greek  Partridge.  Francolinus  is  the 
largest  genus,  of  some  40  species,  chiefly  African  and  Asiatic,  some  of  which  are  spurless,  while 
others  have  a  pair  or  two  pairs  of  spurs ;  the  common  Francolin  is  F.  francolinus  or  F.  vulgaris, 
once  common  in  southern  Europe.  The  African  genus  Pternistes  includes  several  francolin- 
like  species,  but  with  bare  throats,  as  P.  nudicollis.  A  large  Asiatic  genus  is  Arhoricola,  of 
17  species,  as  A.  torqueola,  the  Olive  Partridge.  Nearly  related  to  these  is  Caloperdix,  like  all 
the  foregoing  with  a  14-feathered  tail,  but  tlie  claw  of  the  hind  toe  rudimentary  ;  there  are  three 


PERDICID.E  —  PERDICIX.T:  :   PA  R  TR  ID G ES   A  ND    Q  L'A  IL S. 


lOl 


species,  witli  one  or  more  spurs,  as  C-  ocitlea,  the  Eyed  Partridge  of  the  ^ralay  Peninsula.  Sev- 
eral other  genera  have  12  tail-feathers,  as  follows  :  The  Koulroul  of  the  Malay  countries,  etc., 
Bollulus  roulroul,  is  a  curiously  crested  bird,  with  a  rudimentary  hallucal  claw.  Melanoperdix 
nigra  oi  the  same  countries  is  in  like  state,  but  uncrested.  Hcematorti/x  sanguinicejh'i  of  B(>rneo 
has  3  pairs  of  spurs  in  the  ^.  Rhizothera  longirostris  is  the  oriental  Lonir-billed  Partridge, 
with  spurs  in  both  sexes.  The  Indian  genus  Perdiciila  includes  two  species  of  very  small  Par- 
tridges or  Quails,  P.  asiatica  and  P.  argoondnh,  with  12  rectrices  as  in  the  foregoing,  ami  blunt 
spurs  in  the  J.  Ammoperdix  is  a  genus  related  to  Caccahis,  but  with  only  12  rectrices,  and  in- 
cludes two  species  of  desert  Quails,  A.  bonhami  and  A.  heyi;  the  latter  inhabits  the  region  of  the 
Ked  Sea,  the  Dead  Sea,  etc.,  and  might  be  the  one  which  furnished  what  basis  could  be  found  for 
the  myth  of  the  miraculous  feeding  of  the  Israelites.  Mdrgaroperdic  vmdagascariensis  is  simi- 
larly related  to  Perdix  proper,  but  with  only  12  tail-feathers.  In  Microperdix  the  tail  is  10- 
featliered;  there  are  3  Indian  species,  M.  erythrorhyncha,  M.  bleivitti,  and  31.  vianijmrensis,  in 
wliich  spurs  are  represented  by  blunt  tubercles  in  tlie  ,^;  they  are  very  small  Quails,  only  (3  or 
7  inches  long.  In  Cotuniix  itself  there  are  indifferently  10  or  12  feathers,  and  no  spurs;  and 
this  is  represented  in  Australia  and  Papua  by  a  few  closely  related  species  in  which  10  rectrices 
are  the  rule,  though  12  sometimes  occur.  Finally,  in  the  curious  little  Quail  of  the  genus 
Exccdfactoria,  there  are  only  8  very  short  soft  feathers,  hidden  by  their  coverts;  such  are  the 
Chinese  Quail,  E.  c}iinensii^,  and  the  African  E.  adansoni,  only  about  5  inches  long.  Such 
forms  as  these  brine  us  around  again  to  the  genus  Ophnjsia,  mentioned  above  under  the  head 
of  tlie  family  Perdicidce. 

C'OTUK'NIX.  (Lat.  coturnix,  a  quail;  from  its  note.)  Bill  smaller  and  much  slenderer 
tlian  that  of  any  American  genera  of  Odonto})horince ;  nasal  fossa;  feathered,  e.Kcept  on  the 
tumid  nasal  scale.  Wings  of  moderate  leiiglii,  little  vaulted  and  not  rounded,  pointed  by  the 
lst-3d  quills,  the  1st  scarcely  or  not  shorter  than  the  next.  First  primary  emarginate  on  inner 
web  ;  2d  and  3d  sinuate  on  outer  web.  Tail  of  10-12  feathers  extremely  short  and  slight,  not 
half  as  long  as  wing,  pointed,  its  feathers  very  soft,  tlie  central  pair  lanceolate.  Feet  small: 
tarsus  shorter  than  middle  toe  and  claw,   jOf--^^.^  ?^~%   jra'  j  (V^V 


slightly  feathered  above  in  front,  with 
two  rows  of  alternating  large  scutella 
in  front,  two  rows  of  smaller  rounded 
scales  meeting  in  a  ridge  behind,  the 
sides  filled  in  with  small  plates.  Size 
snuiller  than  that  of  any  of  our  native 
s|iecies ;  pattern  of  coloration  some- 
what as  in  Colinus  ;  sexes  nearly  alike. 
There  are  several  species,  besides  the 
one  given  below,  as  C.  japonica,  wide 
ranging  in  Asia ;  C.  caj}ensis  of  South 
Africa;  C-  coromanddica  of  India,  etc. ; 
C  delegorgiici  of  Africa;  C.  j)ector(dis 
of  Australia;  and  C.  novtc-ZefdandifC. 
('.  cotiir'iiix.  (Fig.  50.5.)  Mk.SSIX.V 
(^»I  AH..       .MiGUATOKV     QUAIL.      CoM- 

MDN  Quail  of  Europ<\  Adult  ^  ^ : 
Upjicr  parts  variegated  with  buff  or 
whitish  and  black  upon  a  mixed  red- 
dish-brown and  gray  ground,  the  most  conspicuous  markings  being  sharp  lance-linear  length- 
wise stripes  of  biitf  or  wliitisli  over  UK.st  of  the  upper  parts,  these  dashes  mostly  edgeil  with 
black:   otinr  less  promimnt    huff  or  whitish  cross-bars,  scvrral  to  a  feather,  likewise  tVon.-.l 


Fio.  005.  —  Common  Quail  of  Europe,  )  nnt.  niie      (From  Drebiu. ) 


752  SYSTEMATIC  SYNOPSIS.  — GALLING  —  ALECTOROPODES. 

in  black.  Crown  mixed  brown  and  black,  with  sharp  median  and  lateral  buif  stripes. 
Throat  white,  bounded  before  by  a  dark  bar  curving  down  behind  auriculars ;  behind,  by  a 
necklace  of  ruddy-brown,  blackisli,  or  wliitish  spots;  chin  varied  with  dark  marks  in  advance 
of  the  auricular  bar.  Under  parts  lading  to  whitish  from  the  buff  or  pale  yellowish -brown 
breast,  without  any  dark  crossbars,  but  long  feathers  of  sides  and  flanks  with  large  and  con- 
spicuous white  shaft-stripes  and  otherwise  variegated  with  black,  brown,  and  buff.  Primaries 
fuscous,  spotted  with  light  bri)wn  on  outer  webs ;  secondaries  similar,  but  the  markings  be- 
coming bars  on  both  webs.  Tail-feathers  brownish-black,  much  varied  with  shaft-lines,  cross- 
bars, and  edgings  of  buflf ;  crissuni  immaculate,  like  abdomen.  Bill  dark;  feet  pale;  iris  dark 
brown.  Length  about  7.00;  wing  3.75;  tail  1.75;  tarsus  1.00;  middle  toe  and  claw  rather 
more.  Europe,  Asia,  Africa;  recently  imported  and  turned  loose  in  considerable  numbers  in 
the  U.  S.,  as  in  New  England ;  but  its  permanent  naturalization  is  open  to  question.  If  one 
will  compare  this  bird  with  Bob  White  he  will  see  how  very  different  is  the  Old  World  Quail 
from  our  Colins,  or  any  other  birds  of  this  country  called  "quail;"  but  that  it  resembles 
these  more  nearly  than  the  European  Partridge,  Perdix  cinerea,  does ;  so  that,  if  we  must 
borrow  a  name  from  any  Old  World  birds  for  our  species  of  Colinus,  LopTiortyx,  Callipepla, 
etc,  the  term  "  quail"'  is  rather  more  appropriate  than  "  partridge." 

Subfamily  ODONTOPHORIN/E  :    American  Partridges  and  Quails. 

Head  completely  feathered,  and  usually  crested,  the  crest  frequently  assuming  a  remarkable 
shape.  Nasal  fossce  not  filled  with  feathers ;  nostrils  covered  with  a  naked  scale.  Tarsi  and 
toes  naked,  latter  scarcely  or  not  fringed,  former  scutellate.  Usually  a  small  claw  on  the  thumb. 
Tail  typically  of  12  feathers,  rarely  14.     Size  smaller  than  in  Tetraonidce. 

Our  Partridges  may  be  distinguished,  among  American  Gallince,  by  the  foregoing  charac- 
ters, but  not  from  those  of  the  Old  World ;  and  it  is  highly  improbable  that,  as  a  group,  they 
are  separable  from  all  the  forms  of  the  latter  by  any  decided  peculiarities.  The  principal  sup- 
posed character,  namely,  toothing  of  under  mandible,  is  very  faintly  indicated  in  some  forms, 
and  entirely  wanting  in  others.  Pending  final  issue,  however,  it  is  expedient  to  recognize  the 
group,  so  strictly  limited  geographically,  if  not  otherwise.  Several  beautiful  and  important 
genera  occur  within  our  limits,  but  these  Partridges  are  most  numerous  in  species  in  Central 
and  South  America.  Odontopliorus  is  the  leading  genus,  with  perhaps  15  species,  m  which  the 
head  is  crested,  and  the  sexes  are  similar.  Dacfijlortyx  thoracicus  is  a  single  species  lately  sep- 
arated from  Odontopliorus  on  account  of  the  dift'erence  in  the  sexes  and  some  other  characters, 
including  the  length  of  the  claws.  In  Eupsychortyx  the  head  is  also  crested,  but  tlie  sexes  are 
unlike ;  there  are  at  least  5  species  of  this  genus.  In  the  three  species  of  Dendrortyx,  all 
Central  American,  the  sexes  are  alike,  there  is  a  short  occipital  crest,  and  the  rounded  tail  is 
nearly  as  long  as  the  wing;  the  size  is  also  large,  from  12  to  15  inches  in  length.  Philortyx 
faseiatus  of  Mexico,  the  only  species  of  its  genus,  is  very  small,  only  about  7\  inches  long. 
Philortyx  fasciatus  is  a  peculiarly  crested  species.  The  genus  Ehynchortyx  has  been  estab- 
lished tor  two  small  species  usually  included  in  Odontopliorus,  but  having  only  10  rectrices ; 
a.  spodrostethrus  and  B.  cinctus  both  inhabit  Central  America.  This  case  of  10  rectrices  in 
Ehynchortyx,  and  that  of  our  Callipepla  (see  beyond)  with  14,  are  the  only  exceptions  to  the 
rule  in  OdontophorintB  that  the  tail  is  12-feathered.  No  members  of  the  family  are  spurred, 
combed,  or  wattled,  and  all  have  the  head  fully  feathered,  as  well  as  more  or  less  crested,  some- 
times in  very  elegant  fashion  ;  there  is  also  little  range  of  variability  in  size,  and  for  the  most 
part  a  general  similarity  to  one  another  in  pattern  of  coloration,  among  the  about  45  species 
of  which  the  subfamily  is  known  to  be  composed.  They  are  thus  a  compact  group,  in  compari- 
son at  least,  with  the  widely  diversified  Perdicince  of  the  Old  World ;  and  this  fact  may  have 
its  weight  in  deciding  us  to  recognize  them  as  a  subfamily,  even  if  they  do  not  very  well  ex- 


■/  )j 


PERDICID.E  —  ODONTOPHORIN^:   PARTRIDGES  AND   QUAILS.       753 

hibit  the  character  to  which  the  name  Odontophorina:  is  due.  In  habits,  they  agree  more  or 
less  completely  witli  the  vvell-kuown  Bub  White.  Our  species  are  apparently  monogamous, 
and  go  in  small  flocks,  called  "  coveys,"  usually  consisting  of  the  members  of  one  family  ;  some 
species  "  pack"  in  large  flocks;  they  are  terrestrial,  but  take  to  trees  on  occasion;  nest  on  the 
ground,  laying  numerous  white  or  speckled  eggs;  are  chiefly  grauivorous,  but  also  feed  on 
buds,  soft  fruits,  and  insects ;  and  are  non-migratory. 

Analysis  of  Genera. 

An  inconspicuous  crest,  scarcely  visible  except  in  life.  Tail  about  I  as  long  as  wing,  12-feathered.  Coloration  every- 
where variegated.     Sexes  distinguishable.     (Two  species. ) Colinus 

A  short,  soft,  full  crest.  Tail  |  the  wing,  14-feathered.  Coloration  much  the  same  all  over,  showing  curious  semi- 
circular markings.     Sexes  similar.     (One  species. ) Callipepla 

A  long,  slender,  arrowy  crest,  two  or  three  mches  long,  of  two  narrowly  hnear  feathers.  Tail  g  as  long  as  wing, 
12-feathered.     Parti-colored,  but  the  coloration  chiefly  in  masses.     Sexes  similar.     (One  species.)    .     .       Oreortyx 

A  long,  recurved,  helmet-like  crest,  of  several  imbricated  plumes,  enlarged  at  extremity.  Tail  J  as  long  as  wing, 
12-feathered.     Coloration  chiefly  in  mas.ses.     Sexes  unlike.     ^Two  species.) Lophortyx 

A  short,  soft,  full  crest.  Tail  scarcely  \  as  long  as  wing,  12-feathered.  Coloration  peculiar,  in  round,  white  spots 
on  under  parts  of  the  cf.     Sexes  very  uuhke.     (One  species. ) Cyrtonyz 

COLI'NUS.  (Latinized  from  the  French  colin  of  Bufl'on  and  others ;  probably  derived  from 
some  Mexican  word.)  Colins.  Bob  Whites.  Feathers  of  crown  lengthened  and  erectile, 
but  hardly  forming  a  true  cres^t.  Tail 
about  f  as  long  as  wing,  12-feathered. 
Outstretched  feet  reaching  beyond  end 
of  tail.  Coloration  much  variegated  ; 
reddish-brown  varied  with  black  and 
white  the  leading  color.  Meat  of 
breast  white.  Eggs  white,  pyriform, 
numerous.  Besides  the  species  treated 
beyond  there  are  several  others,  as 
CC.  graysoni,  pectoralis,  and  coi/olcos  ^"'-  ^°*'- "  ^'"  '"""^  ^'"'^  °^  ^'''''""^'  """'■  '''"■  ^'^"^  "=''•  '^'^-  ^-  ^'^ 
of  Mexico,  and  C.  nigrigularis  of  Yucatan.  (Orty.r  of  all  former  eds.  of  the  Key,  as  of  most 
writers,  after  Steph.  Gen.  Zool.  xi,  1819,  p.  37C};  but  this  is  untenable  because  antedated  by 
Ortyx  Oken,  Lehrbuch  Naturg.  vi,  181G,  p.  611  (which  is  a  synonym  of  Ortygis  Illioeu, 
1811  —  an  Old  World  genus  of  a  different  family).  The  next  name  in  order  of  dates  is  Ortygia 
BoiE,  Isis,  1826,  p.  977  ;  but  this  is  the  same  word  as  Ortygis,  and  so  cannot  be  used.  The 
next  name,  and  the  first  one  which  is  tenable  by  our  rules,  is  Colinus  Lesson,  Man.  ii,  1828, 
p.  190,  also  used,  in  the  form  Colinia,  by  Xl'ttam.,  Man.  i,  l^.'ivJ,  p.  646:  see  Auk,  Jan. 
1885,  p.  45.) 

Analysis  of  Species  and  Subspecies. 

Under  parts  varied  with  black  and  rusty  on  a  white  or  whitish  ground. 

Length  of  ^f   10. (H)  or  rather  more;  extent  15.00  or  more;  wing  4.50  or  more.     Bill  blackish-brown.     Ground 

color  dull  pinkish-red  witli  narrow  black  bars  below •       lirrfinimiui 

Length  of  (f  scarcely  10.00  ;  extent  under  15.00 ;  wing  scarcely  or  not  4.."»0.     Bill  jet  bl.ick.     Ground  color  dark 

reddish,  with  much  broader  black  bars  below v .  jlor idituus 

Length,  etc.,  as  in  Jioridaniis.     Ground  color  paler  tlian  in  t  irgiiiimiu.i^  with  numerous  black  bar*,  and  increase 

of  asliy  and  tawny ■     ....     v.  Inanus 

Under  parts  mostly  uniform  cinnamon  brown riJgicnyi 

C.  virKiiiia'iius.  (Of  Virginia.  Fiys.  5(K!,  507,  508.)  C'o.mmon  ("oi.in.  I'.VKTUIDOK,  or 
Qi  All..  I'x)!!  W'liiri:.  "  (,i)i"AiL : "'  New  England,  wherever  the  Itufled  (Jrouse  is  callotl 
"partridge."  "  I'autkidge:  "  Snuthern  ami  Middle  States,  wherever  the  KnH'ed  (trouse  is 
called  "  j.heasant."  Also  siiecified  as  the  Amkhuan,  Vikcixiax,  and  Makvland  C'ohlN, 
I'AUTKlixiK,  or  QfAIL.  Ailnlt  (J  :  Forehead,  superciliary  line,  and  throat  white,  borderetl 
with  black;   cmwTi,  neik  all  muiid,  and  upper  part   i.f  Imast  bniwni.>ih-red  ;  other  under  parts 

4^ 


754  SYSTEMA  TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  GALLIN.E  — ALECTOROPODES. 

tawny- whitish,  all  with  more  or  fewer  doubly  crescentic  black  bars;  crissum  rufous;  sides 
broadly  striped  with  brownish-red;  upper  parts  variegated  with  chestnut,  black,  gray,  and 
tawny,  the  latter  edging  inner  quills,  forming  a  continuous  line  when  the  wing  is  closed.  9  : 
Known  by  having  throat  bufiF  instead  of  white,  less  black  about  fore-parts,  and  general  color- 
ation subdued.  The  reddish  of  this  bird  is  of  a  peculiar  dull  pinkish  shade;  black  crescents 
of  under  parts  scarcely  or  not  half  the  width  of  intervening  white  spaces;  bill  not  jet  black. 
Length  of  $  10.00-10.50;  extent  15.00-15.50;  wing  4.50  to  nearly  5.00;  tail  2.75-3.00. 
99.50-10.00;  extent  14.50-15.00;  wing  4.25-4.50;  tail  2.50-2.75.  Chicks  in  down  butf  be- 
low, browner  on  sides  and  paler  on  throat,  the  back  chestnut,  a  patch  of  same  on  top  of  head, 
and  black  marks  on  its  sides.  Among  thousands  of  Bob  Whites  yearly  destroyed,  albinotic  or 
melanotic,  and  other  abnormally  colored  specimens,  are  frequently  found ;  but  the  percentage 
of  these  cases  is  nothing  unusual,  and  the  sportsman  must  be  cautioned  against  supposing  that 
such  birds  have  any  status,  in  a  scientific  point  of  view,  beyond  their  illustration  of  certain  per- 
fectly well-known  variations.  Such  specimens,  however,  are  interesting  and  valuable,  and 
should  always  be  preserved.     Eastern  U.  S.     N.  to  Maine,  Ontario,  and  Minnesota.     West 


Fio.  507.  —  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bob  White,  nat.  size.     (Ad.  nat.  del.  E.  C.) 

to  high  central  plains,  in  South  Dakota,  Kansas,  Nebraska,  Indian  Territory,  Oklahoma,  and 
eastern  Texas,  and  all  tlie  while  steadily  extending  in  that  direction  with  the  settlements  and 
railroads  ;  it  has  already  got  beyond  the  limits  assigned  in  the  Key  in  1884,  and  has  been  intro- 
duced and  become  acclimated  in  various  parts  of  Colorado,  New  Mexico,  Utah,  Idaho,  Cali- 
fornia, Oregon,  and  Washington.  I  shot  it  at  Fort  Randall.  S.  D.,  in  1872-73.  It  breeds 
indifferently  throughout  its  range,  and  is  usually  resident  wherever  found.  The  characteristic 
game  bird  of  this  country,  whose  mellow  and  melodious  pipe  proclaims  its  name,  so  dear  to  the 
heart  of  the  sportsman.  It  is  translated  in  our  language  in  many  ways  besides  "  bob-white," 
and  may  be  heard  throughout  the  breeding  season,  whicli  commonly  extends  through  most  of 
the  spring  and  summer,  tliough  eggs  have  occasionally  been  found  in  nearly  all  mouths  of  the 
year.  Eggs  indefinitely  numerous,  averaging  over  a  dozen,  usually  12-18,  sometimes  up  to 
3  dozen,  pure  white,  pointed  at  one  end  and  very  blunt  at  the  other,  from  1.30  X  1-00  to  J. 05 
X  0.90,  averaging  1.20  X  0.95. 

C.  V.  florida'nus.  (Of  Florida.)  Florida  Quail.  Rather  smaller,  $  about  size  of  9  vir- 
ginianus,  but  bill  relatively  larger,  jet-black  ;  colors  darker,  all  black  markings  heavier,  those 
of  under  parts  nearly  as  broad  as  intervening  white  spaces.     Florida,  and  similar  specimens  in 


PERDICID.E  —  ODONTOPHORIN^:   PARriilDGES  AND   QUAILS.      755 

the  lower  Mississippi  Valley;  an  approach  to  the  Cuban  form  (C.  cubanensis).  Habits,  nest, 
and  eggs  indistinguishable  from  those  of  the  common  Bob  White  ;  but  this  southern  form  breeds 
earlier,  from  February  onward.  As  stated  in  the  Key,  4th  ed.  1890,  p.  904,  the  Cuban  bird 
was  for  a  time  supposed  to  occur  in  Florida,  being  so  given  in  Kidgw.  Man.  1887,  p.  188, 
figuring  in  the  A.  0.  U.  Abridged  Check-List,  1889,  as  No.  289  c,  and  separately  treated  as 
such  by  Bendire,  i,  1892,  p.  9.  All  the  Bob  Whites  of  Florida  belong  to  the  single  sub- 
species established  in  the  original  edition  of  the  Key,  1872.  p.  237. 

C.  V.  texa'nus.  (Of  Texas.)  Texas  Quail.  S\ze  of  floridamis ;  colors  paler,  prevailing 
shade  rather  gray  than  brown  ;  upper  parts  mucli  variegated  with  tawny.     Texas,  X.  to  Kansas, 


FlO.  508.  —The  Bob  White  Family.     (From  "  Sport  with  dun  and  Ro.i ;  "  The  Century  Co  ,  N.  Y.) 

S.  into  Mexico.  No  ditierence  from  rirginifoius  proper  in  luibits,  nest,  or  eggs,  the  latter  aver- 
age 1 .20  X  0.90,  as  before.  This  bird  shades  directly  into  the  stock  form  on  the  one  hand,  and 
on  the  other  approaches  C  graysoni. 

C.  ridK'wayi.  (To  K.  Kidgway.  Fig.  509.)  Kidoway's  CoLiN.  Arizona  Bob  White. 
Maskki)  Bint  White.  Hooded  Quail.  Adult  ^ :  Front,  and  sides  of  liead  and  neck, 
black,  witli  or  without  a  narrow  white  frontal  line  and  superciliary  stripe.  I'nder  parts 
diestnut  or  cinnamon  (about  tlic  color  of  l)reast  of  Kobin),  varying  much  iu  sliade,  generally 
unspotted,  except  on  tlanks,  where  tlii'  fcatliers  are  usually  tipped  with  an  oval  white  spot, 
preceded  by  a  sul)terminal  black  1>ar ;  lower  tail-coverts  with  a  V-shaped  black  spot  bordered 
with  whitish  ;  occasionally  small  touches  of  black  and  white  along  sides.  Crown,  liind  head, 
and  nape  mi.xed  Idack.  uiiite,  and  pale  bniwii,  nr  yellowish-white  ;  hind  neck  and  iiiter.M-apu- 


756  SYSTEMA  TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  GALLIN.E  —  ALECTOROPODES. 


lars  reddish-brown,  usually  with  a  grayish  cast;  back,  rump,  and  upper  tail-coverts  minutely 
variegated  with  blackish,  pale  brown,  and  grayish-white,  the  black  usually  prevailing,  but 
variable  in  amount.  Wing-coverts  rufous,  each  feather  barred  with  blackish  and  edged  and 
tipped  with  whitish  ;  primaries  dusky,  edged  and  scalloped  internally  with  whitish ;  secondaries 

externally  dusky,  barred 
and  freckled  with  pale 
brown  and  yellowish- 
white  ;  inner  secondaries 
and  scapulars  edged 
with  yellowish  -  white 
(very  broadly  so  on  in- 
ner edges),  and  other- 
wise variegated.  Tail 
above  bluish-gray,  mi- 
nutely freckled  and 
waved  with  whitish ;  tail 
below  gray,  faintly  and 
irregularly  barred  and 
waved  with  grayish- 
white.  Bill  black ;  feet 
horn-color;  iris  brown. 
Length  9.75;  extent 
14.2.5;  wing  4.50;  tail 
2.75;  tarsus  1.20.  The 
female  resembles  that 
sex  of  C.  ^^!.  texensis  so 
closely  as  not  to  be  read- 
ily distinguished.  The 
species  is  closely  related 
to  C.  graysoni  of  Mex- 
ico, and  may  yet  be  found 
to  intergrade  therewith. 
Southern  Arizona  and 
Sonora,  where  it  has- 
long  been  known  as  a  game  bird,  though  long  unrecognized  as  a  species  by  ornithologists;  I 
heard  of  it  there  in  1864-65,  though  I  never  had  a  specimen.  It  calls  "  Bob-white,"  like  the 
rest  of  its  kind,  has  the  same  habits,  and  its  eggs  are  indistinguishable.  On  its  first  intro- 
duction to  our  Fauna  it  was  mistaken  for  C  graysoni  of  Lawrence,  Ann.  Lye  N.  Y.  viii, 
May,  1867,  p.  476,  and  thus  appeared  as  Coliniis  graysoni  in  the  A.  0.  U.  List,  1886,  p.  168,. 
No.  290.  It  was  first  described  as  C.  ridgwayi  by  Brewster,  Auk,  Apr.  1885,  p.  199,  and 
figured  as  such  by  Allen,  Bull.  Amer.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist.  July,  1886,  pi.  23.  Ortyx  ridgwayi 
CouES,  Key,  3d  ed.  1887,  p.  884.  Colinus  ridgwayi  A.  0.  U.  Lists,  1st  and  2d  eds.  No.  291. 
OREOR'TYX.  (Gr.  opos,  oros,  a  mountain ;  oprv^,  ortux,  Lat.  ortyx,  a  quail.  The  gram- 
matical gender  is  in  question  ;  the  Greek  word  is  masculine,  the  Lat.  feminine.  In  ornithol- 
ogy, good  usage  is  about  equally  divided.)  Plumed  Quail.  Head  adorned  with  an  arrowy 
crest  of  2  slender  keeled  plumes,  3-4  inches  long  in  ^  when  fiill-devek»ped  ;  present  in  9)  shorter. 
Bill  and  feet  stout ;  tarsus  equal  to  middle  toe  and  claw.  Tail  about  f  tlie  wing,  broad,  rounded, 
with  long  coverts  and  12  rectrices.  Size  large ;  colors  massed  in  large  areas ;  sexes  alike- 
Eggs  bufi"-colored.     One  large  handsome  species. 


Fig.  509.  —  Masked  Bob  White, 
D.  G.  Elliot.) 


(From  "  Game  Birds  of  North  America,"  by 


PERDICID^E  —  ODONTOPHORIN^ :  PARTRIDGES  AND   QUAILS.       151 


Analysis  of  Subspecies. 
Above  extensively  glossed  over  with  olive-brown;  inner  edges  of  secondaries  buff;  forehead  ashy.    Coast  region 

northerly picius 

Above  restrictedly  glossed  over  with  olive-brown  ;  inner  edges  of  secondaries  pale  buff  ;  forehead  whitish.     Interior 

region,  and  coastwise  southerly    .     .     .     .     • p.  plumiferus 

Like  the  last ;  grayer ;  bill  thicker.     Lower  California p.  confinii 

O.  pic'tus.     (Lat.  incta,  pictured,  painted.     Fig.  511.)     Plumed  Partridge.     Mountain 
Quail  of  the  Calit'urniaus.     Adult  (J  9  •  Back,  wings,  and  tail  olive-browu ;  inner  secondaries 

and  tertials  bordered  with  buff  or  tawny,  forming  a 
lengthwise  border  in  single  line  when  wings  are  folded ; 
primaries  fuscous ;  tail-feathers  fuscous,  minutely  mar- 
bled with  color  of  back.  Fore-parts,  above  and  below, 
slaty-gray  (above  more  or  less  glossed  with  the  olive- 
brov?n  shade  of 
back,  below  mi- 
nutely marbled  with 
black)  ;  throat 

chestnut,    immedi- 
ately bordered  lat- 
(^^^i^^^P*     \    ('rally   with    black, 
:s^^->=.^^S3^^^^— —       then    framed    in    a 
'i^^MA"^    l^aBU^^  fi"J^      white      line, 

'■1"     V/mSKW  broken        through 

^h^^A      ''*vl^B  around      base      of 

''         'i^rail  under       mandible. 

^V'li  ^\  Extreme    forehead 

ifiAw  ashy.  Arrow  - 

plumes  black.  i^^-^;^^^^^*^'^ 

Fio.  510. —Helmet  Quail  (/-.(7a?)!6eZi),nat.     Belly  chestnut ;  Fio.  .511.  —  Plumed  Quail.      (From  Ten- 

size.     (Ad.  nat.  del.  E.  C.)  sides    banded    with     ney,  after  Audubon.) 

broad  bars  of  black  and  white,  or  rufous-white;  middle  of  lower  belly,  tibia,  and  tlanks,  whit- 
ish or  rufous;  crissum  velvety-black,  streaked  with  chestnut.  Bill  dusky,  paler  below;  feet 
brown.  Length  11.00-12.00;  extent  lG.00-17.00;  wing  5.00-5.50;  tail  3.00-3.50;  tarsus 
l.(i0;  middle  toe  and  claw  about  the  same.  Chicks  in  down  very  curiously  striped  and  spotted 
with  black,  brown,  and  chestnut  on  the  head,  back,  and  tlanks,  dull  whitish  on  the  breast  and 
belly.  An  elegant  species,  much  larger  and  more  beautiful  than  B(d)  White,  inhabiting  the 
mountainous  parts  of  the  Pacific  coast  region  from  California  to  Washington;  extension  in 
the  latter  State  recent,  partly  natural,  but  artificially  assisted ;  lately  introduced  also  on  ^'au- 
couver  Island.  The  relative  extent  of  the  olive  and  slaty  parts  is  very  variable  (see  following 
subspecies).  There  is  something  of  a  Grouse  in  the  composition  of  this  Partridge.  Egg  a 
miniature  of  the  Kuffed  Grouse's,  only  distinguished  by  smaller  size  — 1.40  X  l-K'  t<i  1.30  X 
1.00;  the  clutch  is  (J-IO,  averaging  about  a  dozen,  mostly  laid  in  May  and  June. 
O.  p.  plumiferus.  (Lat.  plumiferus,  plume-bearing;  lAuma,  a  plume;  fero,  to  bear,  carry.) 
Plu-MEd  Partuid(;e  or  Mountain  Quail  of  the  interior.  Like  the  la.st,  with  which  included 
in  former  editions  of  the  Key.  Differing  in  greater  extent  of  the  slaty-gray,  and  corresponding 
restriction  of  the  olive-brown  overtone,  the  whiti.'^h  forehead,  and  the  pale  biitT  or  whitish  border 
line  along  the  inner  edge  of  the  wing.  In  the  best  marked  cases,  the  back  of  the  neck  is  tjuite 
like  the  breast,  instead  of  Ixing  olive-bmwii  like  the  back.  This  is  the  prevailing  form  ou 
both  sides  of  the  Cascade  range  in  Uregoii.  the  Sierras  Nevadas  in  California,  autl  even  the 


758  SYSTEMA  TIC  SYNOPSIS.  —  GALLIN.E  —  ALECTOROPODES. 

coast  range  in  the  latter  State  from  about  hit.  34°  to  Lower  California ;  in  fine,  it  is  the  ordi- 
nary Mountain  Quail  of  most  parts  of  California,  aside  from  the  restricted  Coast  Range  of  the 
preceding,  and  also  the  one  which  extends  E.  into  Nevada.  The  distinction  is  a  subtle  one, 
but  I  am  willing  to  let  the  subspecies  pass  muster  with  a  hundred  others  of  which  I  have  no 
favorable  private  opinion.  0.  ])icta,  in  part,  of  most  authors.  Ortyx  plumifera  Gould,  1857. 
Oreortyx  pictus  var.  plumiferus  Ridgw.  in  Bd.  Brew,  and  Ridgw.  Hist.  N.  A.  B.  iii,  1874, 
p.  476 ;  A.  O.  U.  No.  292  a. 

O.  p.  confl'iiis.  (Lat.  next  to,  adjoining,  being  on  the  border  of.)  San  Pedro  Mountain 
Quail  or  Plumed  Partridge.  "  Differing  from  0.  p.  xtlnmifera  in  grayer  upper  parts  and 
thicker  bill."  San  Pedro  Mts.  of  Lower  California.  Anthony,  Proc.  Cal.  Acad.  Sci.  2d  ser. 
ii,  Oct.  1889,  p.  74;  Coues,  Key,  4th  ed.  1890,  p.  904 ;  A.  0.  U.  List,  2d  ed.  1895,  No.  292  h. 
LOPHOR'TYX.  (Gr.  \6(l>os,  lophos,  a  crest ;  oprv^,  ortiix,  a  quail.)  Helmet  Quail. 
With  an  elegant  crest,  recurved  helmet- wise,  of  several  (6-10,  usually  6  or  7)  keeled,  clubbed, 
glossy-black,  imbricated  feathers,  more  than  1.00  long  when  fully  developed;  in  9,  smaller, 
of  fewer  feathers.  Tarsus  slightly  shorter  than  middle  toe  and  claw.  Tail  normally  of  12 
feathers,  exceptionally  10  or  14,  about  |  as  long  as  wing ;  outstretched  feet  not  reaching  to 
its  end.  A  small  claw  on  the  pollex.  Bulk  of  Bob  White,  but  longer;  10.00-11.00;  wing 
4.00  or  more;  tail  3.00  or  more.  Coloration  chiefly  in  masses;  sexes  unlike.  ^  with  chin 
and  throat  jet-black,  sharply  bordered  with  white ;  a  white  line  across  vertex  and  along  sides 
of  crown,  bordered  behind  by  black  ;  9  without  these  head-markings.  Eggs  heavily  colored. 
Two  elegant  species  in  the  U.  S.,  and  another  in  Mexico,  C.  elegans.  This  genus  is  closely 
related  to  the  Mexican  genus  Philortyx  (P.  fasciatus  and  P.  personatus).  It  was  reduced  to 
a  subgenus  of  Callipepla,  by  the  A.  O.  U.  in  1886-95.  See  Coues,  Auk,  1897,  p.  214,  whence 
A.  0.  U.  restored  to  full  genus,  Suppl.  List,  Auk,  Jan.  1899,  p.  106,  as  it  has  always  stood  in 
the  Key.     See  also  Elliot,  Gall.  Game  Birds,  1897,  pp.  195,  196. 

Analysis  of  Species  and  Subspecies. 

(f  middle  of  belly  orange-chestnut ;  sides  like  back,  with  white  stripes  ;  hind-head  smoky-brown ;  forehead  chiefly 
whitish,  with  white  loral  line. 

Back  and  flanks  dark  brown ;  edges  of  inner  secondaries  deep  buff californica 

Back  and  flanks  light  brown  ;  edges  of  inner  secondaries  pale  buff c.  vallicola 

cf  middle  of  belly  jet-black  ;   sides  chestnut,  with  white  stripes ;  hind-head  chestnut ;   forehead  chiefly  black ;  no 
white  loral  line gambeli 

Li.  califor'nica.   (Lat.  Californian.    Fig.  512.)     Californian  Partridge.     Valley  Quail 

or  Top-knot  Quail  of  the  Californians.  Adult  $  :  With  a  small  white  line  from  bill  to  eye ; 
forehead  whitish  with  black  lines ;  occiput  smoky-brown  ;  nuchal  and  cervical  feathers  with 
very  dark  edging  and  shaft-lines,  and  fine  whitish  speckling.  General  color  of  upper  parts 
ashy,  with  strong  olive-brown  gloss,  the  edging  of  the  inner  quills  brownish-orange.  Fore 
breast  slaty-blue;  other  under  parts  tawny,  deepening  into  rich  golden-brown  or  orange-chest- 
nut on  the  belly,  where  all  the  feathers  are  sharply  edged  with  jet-black  ;  sides  olive-brown 
like  back,  with  sharp  white  stripes;  vent  and  crissum  tawuy,  with  dark  stripes.  Length 
10.00-11.00;  wing  4.25;  tail  3.75;  tarsus  1.25;  middle  toe  and  claw  rather  more.  Besides 
lacking  definite  head-markings,  9  wants  rich  sienna  color  of  under  parts,  which  are  whitish  or 
tawny  with  black  semicircles  as  in  ^  ;  breast  olive-gray.  Young  in  first  plumage  marked  with 
white,  black-bordered  shaft-lines  on  the  upper  parts,  breast  with  angular  white  spots,  and  belly 
with  obscure  gray  bars.  Chicks  in  down  dingy  white,  more  rusty  abt)ve,  varied  with  length- 
wise brown  markings,  especially  one  on  the  nape,  and  dusky  on  side  of  head.  The  changes  of 
plumage  are  parallel  with  those  of  gambeli.  Lower  portions  of  California,  Oregon,  Washing- 
ton, and  British  Columbia;  S.  tt)  Monterey,  N.,  in  part  at  least,  due  to  introduction;  charac- 
teristic of  the  Pacific  coast  region,  where  abundant.      A  fine   species,  entirely  distinct  from 


PERDICIDM  —  ODONTOPHURIN^:   PARTRIDGES   AND   QUAILS.       759 


gambeli,  but  habits  and  manners  in  all  respects  the  same:  replaces  gamheU  westward.     Nest 

normally  on  the  ground,  as  usual  in  this  order  of  birds,  exceptionally  in  a  bush  or  even  a